Pregnancy and Antenatal Care
Patient Journey – Pregnancy and Antenatal Care
Finding that you are, or may be, pregnant can be both an exciting and worrying time. This is a short guide as to how we will help you through your pregnancy.
Pregnancy Testing
If you suspect they are pregnant you can check this with a home testing kit which can be obtained from the pharmacy. Some chemists offer a pregnancy testing service. We do not offer a pregnancy testing service except in exceptional circumstances.
Initial Antenatal Care
There is no need to see your GP following a positive pregnancy test as you are now able to self-refer using the following online forms:
- Pregnancy self-referral form for Epsom Hospital – Please visit www.epsom-sthelier.nhs.uk/pregnancy-self-referral-form-epsom
- Pregnancy self-referral form for St Helier Hospital – Please visit www.epsom-sthelier.nhs.uk/pregnancy-self-referral-form-st-helier
Please complete the self-referral form from before the end of your 9th week of pregnancy. This is to ensure you receive the necessary screening for you and your baby.
Early Pregnancy Unit (EPU)
The early pregnancy assessment units at our hospitals are for patients in the early stages of pregnancy. If you have concerns, such as bleeding, you may refer yourself to the service, or be referred by your GP, a midwife or from our A&E departments. Please make an appointment before attending the units.
You may be seen in the unit if you have:
- A positive pregnancy test
- Early pregnancy
- Vaginal bleeding or pain
- Previous ectopic pregnancy or molar pregnancy
St Helier Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAU)
The early pregnancy assessment unit at St Helier is open Monday to Friday, 08:30-11:30 on the ground floor of E block (Women’s Health). To make an appointment, please call 020 8296 2882.
Epsom Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAU)
The early pregnancy assessment unit at Epsom is open from 13:15-16:00, Monday to Friday, with the last appointment at 15:30. It is situated on the ground floor in block L2 (Langley Wing). To make an appointment, please call 01372 735155.
If you need to be seen urgently outside of these hours we suggest you attend the Emergency Department.
The clinics tend to be busy and the midwife may not be able to answer the phone during clinic. If there is no answer, please leave a brief message and clear contact details on the answer machine.
For a week to week plan on your pregnancy, please visit the Pregnancy Journey page.
Published on 28 July 2023