Early Pregnancy Assessment Service (EPAS)
Our aim
Our aim is to provide care and support, within a sensitive and confidential environment, for women who are experiencing problems in early pregnancy that don’t require urgent medical assistance and long-term management.
Consultation and examination
The service is delivered by doctors and consultants.
You will be asked about your symptoms, the date of your last period and your medical history. A vaginal examination (similar to a cervical screening test) may be needed so your doctor can see where the bleeding is coming from. A vaginal examination will not cause you to miscarry.
What tests can I expect?
Your appointment may involve blood tests, including checking your blood group or pregnancy hormone levels. You may also have an ultrasound examination.
Most women have a transvaginal ultrasound (where a probe is gently inserted in your vagina) or a transabdominal ultrasound (where the probe is placed over your abdomen). You may be offered both.
Both scans are safe and will not make you miscarry. You may also need another ultrasound 7 to 10 days later if your embryo is very small or has not been seen.
What should I bring for my appointment?
Any previous ultrasound reports and blood test results related to your pregnancy.
What can I do if my symptoms get worse?
You may have to wait 1 to or 2 days for an EPAS appointment. If you have an appointment and your symptoms get worse you can phone the King Edward Memorial Hospital Emergency Centre on 9340 1431 if you have any concerns or questions.
Call the Emergency Centre and speak to a midwife if:
- your bleeding increases and you are soaking a sanitary pad (not a panty liner) and need to change the pad more than once an hour
- your abdominal (stomach) pain is not relieved by simple pain-killers such as paracetamol.
Follow-up
When you see your doctor at EPAS your follow-up care will be discussed.
If your tests are normal and the cause of your bleeding is still unknown there is no need to worry. You will need to follow-up with your doctor for further pregnancy care.
Please note that every effort is made to see you at your appointment time, but your cooperation and understanding is appreciated if the clinic is running behind schedule.
More information
Early Pregnancy Assessment Service (EPAS)
- Located at the Emergency Centre at King Edward Memorial Hospital.
- Open 8.00am to 12.30pm Monday to Friday.
- Appointments are required.
Where to get help
- See your doctor.
- See your obstetrician.
- Visit a GP after hours.
- Ring healthdirect Australia on 1800 022 222.
- Call the King Edward Memorial Hospital emergency department on 6458 2222.
Acknowledgements
Women and Newborn Health Service
This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.