If you have not had a scan in our unit please contact your GP or midwife for advice.
The Early Pregnancy Unit does not take self-referrals.
Any amount of vaginal bleeding or abdominal pain in early pregnancy can cause concern that something is wrong with your pregnancy.
However, up to one in three women have these symptoms during the first twelve weeks of their pregnancy and it does not necessarily mean that there is a problem such as a miscarriage.
If you have a scan showing a pregnancy in the womb with a heartbeat there is a 95% chance that your pregnancy will continue if the bleeding settles down.
Please read our patient information leaflet which gives advice on:
- why you may have had vaginal bleeding and/or pelvic pain during this pregnancy
- what to do if you get further vaginal bleeding
- improving your health and the outcome of your pregnancy
Further information and support
If you are experiencing vaginal bleeding or pelvic plan in early pregnancy, please contact your GP (doctor), midwife, or attend the emergency department depending on the nature of your symptoms.
Your GP
If you have not yet had your first appointment with a community midwife, please contact your GP practice (doctor’s surgery) for advice and support.
Your midwife
Make sure you book with a midwife as soon as you find out you are pregnant to start your pregnancy care.
If you have had your first appointment with a community midwife and experience any bleeding before 14 weeks of pregnancy, please contact the Maternity Assessment Centre (MAC) on 0113 3926731. A midwife will discuss your symptoms with you, provide advice, and arrange a referral to the Early Pregnancy Unit if needed.
Early pregnancy referrals
We do not take self-referrals (referrals directly from the patient). We only take self-referrals from patients who have had a molar or an ectopic pregnancy in the past, or if you have a history of recurrent miscarriage (three previous consecutive first trimester miscarriages).
Referrals can be made by your GP, an Urgent Treatment Centre, another hospital department or via the Emergency Department (A&E).
How to find us
Early pregnancy care is provided by the team on the Gynaecology Acute Treatment Unit (GATU). The unit is located on the second floor of Chancellors Wing at St James’s Hospital.