Early pregnancy
Women experiencing early pregnancy complications can be referred to either of our early pregnancy units at the Trust. Between Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital we see women for ultrasound scanning and arrange ongoing care if they have a problem with the pregnancy.
We also provide emergency care for acute gynaecology (non-pregnancy related) complications, only by referral from our Emergency Department. At the West Mid site, this is provided by the on-call team in the Ambulatory Emergency Care (AEC) Unit.
What we do
Our team of experienced specialist nurses, sonographers and doctors provide women within a one-stop service that may include:
- Ultrasound scanning
- Blood tests and results
- Pregnancy complications counselling
- Medical and surgical procedures, if needed, for a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy
- Follow-up care
- Onward referral for specialist clinics as required
- Acute gynaecology
We operate an appointment-only system, which means women should be referred by a healthcare professional (such as their GP or a doctor in the Emergency Department). The only exception to this is a history of previous ectopic pregnancy, when women can self-refer.
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Women who require urgent medical assistance in early pregnancy should go to the Emergency Department for review by the on-call gynaecology team. |
Vaccination is recommended in pregnancy, but the decision whether to have the vaccine is your choice.
Women experiencing bleeding and/or pain, a history of ectopic pregnancy or those with recurrent miscarriage can be seen for assessment up to 18 weeks (up to 20 weeks at the Chelsea site) into the pregnancy—after this time they will be seen within the maternity unit.
All referrals will be triaged by clinical staff and patients will be provided with specialist care. Please note that this may not involve an ultrasound scan, if it is not appropriate. We are increasing our virtual clinic capacity where appropriate.
Your appointment
Please note we are unable to accept walk-ins—you must have a referral from your GP or the Emergency Department. However, if you have had a previous ectopic pregnancy, please contact our unit as soon as you know you are pregnant to arrange and plan the correct timing of your scan.
Ultrasound scans
The majority of scans we do in our units are done ‘transvaginally’ which means the ultrasound probe is placed into the lower part of the vagina for improved pelvic assessment. It is not harmful to a pregnancy. It is also safe for you and should not be painful. Please let staff know when you attend your appointment if you feel unable to complete a scan this way and your healthcare professional will discuss your options.
Waiting times
We always endeavour to see patients at their appointment time, however some consultations take longer than others and emergencies do arise. We always give the same level of expert care to our patients.
Children and visitors in our units
Within our units we try to maintain a calm atmosphere, especially for women who may be experiencing a pregnancy loss or other difficult news. Children/babies are not permitted in the department.
One partner/support person may attend any of your scans. We continue to ask them to wait outside the clinic until the appointment starts to reduce the number of people in waiting areas. Visitors must comply with our Trust policy regarding a signed declaration on entering our buildings, temperature checks, face covering, regular hand hygiene and minimising movement within the hospital. This is to protect our patients and staff. Thank you for your understanding during this time.
Further information
If your scan has confirmed an ongoing pregnancy please make sure to book your pregnancy care.
Who we are
Our expert team of clinicians provides early pregnancy services at both hospital sites.
Chelsea and Westminster
- Beth Cartwright (Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist and Lead Consultant)
- Yemi Kuponiyi (Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist)
- Dede Ofili-Yebovi (Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist)
- Tarek El-Shamy (Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist)
- Sobana Jeyapala (Clinical Fellow)
- Jennifer Simpson (Clinical Fellow)
- Paula Valdes Arguelles (Lead Clinical Nurse Specialist)
- Hannah Kilpatrick (Clinical Nurse Specialist, currently on maternity leave)
- Lorraine Howell (Clinical Nurse Specialist)
- Niamh Conroy (Trainee Specialist Midwife)
- Isabelle Speight (Registered Nurse)
- Sandra De Oliveira Camillo (Healthcare Assistant)
- Theresa Williams (Healthcare Assistant)
- Sonography Department Team (led by Ultrasound Superintendent Chantel Gomez)
West Middlesex University Hospital
- Natalie Nunes (Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist and Lead Consultant)
- Menike Ekanayake (Sister Gynaecology Outpatients and EPU)
- Anjali Sharma (Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist)
- Andrea Day (Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist)
- Sonography Department Team (led by Superintendent Radiographer Alexandra Drought)
- Natasha Abdul Aziz (Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist)
- Hana Baig (Clinical Fellow)
- Olivia Song (Clinical Fellow)
- Robyn Hill (Clinical Fellow)
- Angelee Reynaldo (EPU Nurse)
- Lauren Burnley (EPU Nurse)
- Neri Breden (Nurse)
- Lauren Trepte (Research Midwife)
- Shaheen Akhtar (Health Care Assistant)
- Adrianna Lubkowski (Health Care Assistant)
- Lekha Jethwa (Administrator)
- Anna Woolford (Administrator)
Contact information
Our early pregnancy units are sometimes very busy—if you are unable to contact us by telephone, please listen to the pre-recorded message for advice.
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital
We are open Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm and Sat/Sun 9am–1pm. Our Saturday and Sunday morning clinics are for early pregnancy complications—access to these clinics is only possible by direct referral from our A&E during the preceding 24 hours.
The Elizabeth Suite
Early Pregnancy and Acute Gynaecology (EPAG)
4th Floor, Lift Bank B
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital
369 Fulham Road
London
SW10 9NH
Reception
T: 020 3315 5073 (9am-12pm & 2-4pm Mon-Fri – admin queries only)
Nurses
T: 020 3315 5070 (12-2pm Mon-Fri)
Referrals: For GPs and health professions only—see this page
West Middlesex University Hospital
We are open Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm.
Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAU)
East Wing, 2nd Floor (main hospital building)
West Middlesex University Hospital
Twickenham Road
Isleworth
TW7 6AF
For further information and advice please see the links below or contact the unit on:
T: 020 8321 6506
T: 020 8321 6070
Text message: 07920 020 800
E: caw-tr.WestMidEPU@nhs.net
Referrals: For GPs and health professions only—see this page
For patients: Please complete this questionnaire once you have been given your appointment time and only once—any errors or extra information should be noted during your appointment.
Further information and films