What to expect at the EPU? 7 weeks

[oliveroses]

Hi, I am just about bang on 7 weeks and have had two bouts of pale brown spotting since week 4, with a good break of a week in between each time. Then today when I wiped there was bright pink/watery red on the tissue (sorry tmi). I only called the gp yesterday to tell her the news as I have been worried about jinxing things but she’d told me to call the EPU if it happened again, so I did. To my total amazement they want to see me and I have an appt tomorrow.

I am pretty worried, even though since I wiped there has been no further bleeding, not even a trace which seems weird, and I have no pain or cramps. But over the past week, I’d say, my mild symptoms have been fading. Because the EPU want to see me (and they asked about symptoms) I am worried they suspect something is up, though I’m so glad I am going in given the current circs with Covid.

They said to make sure I have a full bladder for a sample. Do you think they will scan me? Or will it be blood samples?

I was a wreck earlier but feeling bit braver now, though I suppose I am secretly a bit hopeful and trying not to think about the worst. This last few weeks has been such a rollercoaster, I had little idea that pregnancy was such a minefield. I'm exhausted x

I went to the EPU when I was about 6 weeks pregnant. I was scanned (as they’ve asked you to have a full bladder, it seems like they plan to scan you too. Try have about 2 pints of water if you can). They also did a TV scan so I could see the heartbeat too.
I had a short appointment with a nurse also where they discussed the possible causes of bleeding and then I was allowed to leave.

Hope you’re ok OP. Try not to worry and I hope all goes well tomorrow Xx

I think they will scan you. You need a full bladder for the scan.
Hope it turns out well.

I've been a few times. They'll likely take a urine sample, blood pressure, etc. Then you'll probably be scanned and then called back into talk with a consultant.

Hope all ok tomorrow.

I had a scan in EPU at 7 weeks at the beginning of lockdown. Mine was due to previous losses, not due to bleeding at the time. They did an internal scan on me though, so don't be surprised if they might start with an abdo scan, ask you to empty your bladder and do an internal. They didn't do bloods though, nor blood pressure. Take a note of your dates also- last period, previous pregnancies, medical problems, current medications, and when you had a positive pregnancy test. Also, if you've never been there, you might need to complete a form including your GP name, address and contact details, so take these along too.

Security were stopping anyone except the patient going into the hospital, so DH waited outside. Security may ask for evidence of the appointment, but if it was just all over the phone with no text etc, tell them to call the ward for proof- which I doubt they'll bother to do. You'll now need a facial covering now too.

At that time, the receptionist had no mask (but they need one now) and the nurse I saw was gowned up with full coat, gloves, mask and plastic face visor. Best of luck x

Hi @oliveroses I had something very similar at 7 weeks - I’m currently 22 weeks - I wiped and had some light pink bleeding it was there a couple of times and then it was gone. The next day I went to the EPU - ours is a walk in and this was just before lockdown so less strict - and they were fantastic. They did bloods and checked and scanned me where I saw a little bean with a flickering heart beat. Since then I have had a couple of scary moments but again all have been checked out very quickly and all looks well so far.
Good luck, you’ll be in the best hands and it isn’t unusual to have a little bit of light spotting in the early stages.

Thanks so much everyone, feeling a bit more prepared! I really appreciate it. Nothing else has happened through the night, with no further bleed, so I am holding my breath. Forgot about the face mask too so will definitely take one. Thanks again, and thank god for mn!x

Hope it goes ok today xx

They normally do a vaginal scan when it's early days - I have a history of miscarriage so have spent a lot of time in EPU. Never had bloods done. Just urine sample and internal scan.

i would say go with a full bladder for scan, but be prepared that it may be an internal scan. Hopefully you'll be able to see a heartbeat at 7 weeks. Good luck

Just to say thank you again for preparing me today! They were brilliant and it was a good experience, very relieved. She found the baby straightaway with the abdominal scan and it was measuring as expected with a heartbeat flickering away 💖
She said she thought she could see a small haematoma (sp?!) underneath the sac which would explain the bleed and spotting and that I should be prepared for more. They will see me again in two weeks if I have more but unless things change hugely not to worry.
I know it's early days and there's a long way to go, but very pleased!x

Great news!

Great news op. Thanks for the update. Its always great to know how someone got on xxx