Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAU)

The Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAU) is a purpose built unit situated within the antenatal clinic at Macclesfield District General Hospital.

The unit is open five mornings per week Monday – Friday between 8.15 am and 11.00 am. Referrals are received via GPs and midwives following set criteria.

Referral criteria

• Positive pregnancy test and vaginal bleeding or clinically suspicious of an ectopic pregnancy – up to 14 completed weeks of gestation.
• Positive pregnancy test and a history of:
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Sterilisation
• Tubal surgery
• Contraceptive coli insitu 
• Antiphospholipid syndrome
• Previous recent attendance at EPAU where condition has changed.
• Follow-up after medical management of miscarriage, ectopic or termination of pregnancy.

Please note:

Women over 14 weeks gestation who develop a clinical symptom should be referred for an emergency antenatal clinic appointment or for emergency care.

Our services

The EPAU has a lead obstetrician and is run on a daily basis by midwives with the support of maternity care assistants. An ultrasonographer is available during each session.

We offer conservative, medical and surgical management of missed miscarriages providing individualised, informed choice in line with the Royal College of Obstetricians and gynaecologists guidelines. Medical management of ectopic pregnancies is also available to some women.
 

If you would like any further information then please do not hesitate to contact us:

EPAU Telephone: 01625 663192