CUMH Early Pregnancy Unit, Kinsale Road Clinc
The Early Pregnancy Unit (EPU) at Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH) provides specialist care and support for women and their partners in the early stages of pregnancy who may be experiencing problems such as bleeding or pain.
We understand that this can be an anxious and emotional time, and our experienced team is here to provide compassionate, expert care and clear information every step of the way.
Who we care for
The EPU supports anyone who is < 13 weeks pregnant and is:
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Currently experiencing symptoms such as pain or vaginal bleeding concerning for early pregnancy complications
or
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Has had early pregnancy complications in a previous pregnancy such as; repeated miscarriages (two or more in a row), ectopic or molar pregnancy.
If your pregnancy test is negative, please contact your GP or pharmacist for advice.
If you are bleeding heavily (changing pads more than once an hour) or have severe pain, please go directly to the CUMH Emergency Room or your nearest Emergency Department.
Referral pathways
The EPU is an appointment-only service.
To ensure you receive the most appropriate care, you must have an appointment before attending.
We accept referrals from:
• GPs
• CUMH Emergency Room
• Fertility clinics
• Private scan centres.
You may also self-refer if you have previously had:
• An ectopic pregnancy
• A molar pregnancy
• Care at the Pregnancy Loss Clinic.
Appointment times and waiting periods
We aim to contact women following referral as soon as possible. We aim to offer appointments within 24–48 hours of receiving an urgent clinically indicated referral. For those with history indicated referrals timing of appointment is dependent on gestational age.
Due to the emergency nature of our work, this timeframe cannot always be guaranteed, but we will always do our best to see you as soon as possible.
If you have not heard from us within 48 hours of referral, please contact us directly on 021 4927441.
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What to expect at your appointment
We’ll do our best to see you quickly, but please allow up to 3 hours for your visit. If you have children, please arrange childcare. When you arrive to the clinic please check in with the administrator and confirm your contact information is correct. You will be asked to take a seat in the waiting area. The midwife or sonographer will come to the waiting area to bring you to get your bloods taken or to the ultrasound room for a scan. Following your scan you may require blood tests or a medical review which will require a further wait until the midwife or doctor is available to see you.
During your appointment, you may have:
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A physical examination, such as an abdominal or internal (speculum) check — similar to a smear test.
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An ultrasound scan, performed abdominally or using an internal vaginal probe.
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Please come with a full bladder — drinking water is available in the waiting area.
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The purpose of this scan is to determine the location of the pregnancy and assess its viability.
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Please note: it is not a dating scan.
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Blood tests, where required.
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Our team will explain each step carefully and make sure you understand your results before you leave.
Possible scan outcomes
Your scan may show:
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A viable intrauterine pregnancy (a normal early pregnancy): 47% chance
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A miscarriage: 27% chance
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A pregnancy in the uterus of unknown viability, which will require a repeat scan in 7-10 days: 13% chance
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No pregnancy visible on scan -known as a pregnancy of unknown location, which may require further scans or blood tests: 11% chance
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An ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy developing outside the womb): 1-2% chance.​
​​Whatever the outcome of the scan you will be supported by our caring and experienced staff.
Treatments and care options
Depending on your diagnosis and preferences, we offer:
• Conservative (natural) management
• Medical management
• Surgical management.
Your care plan will be explained fully, and you will have the opportunity to ask questions at any stage.
Our team
At the Early Pregnancy Unit, you will meet a dedicated, multidisciplinary team including:
• Doctors and midwife ultrasonographers
• Midwifery staff
• Administrative staff.
Support and information
We understand that attending the EPU can be emotionally difficult. Alongside medical care, we provide:
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Information leaflets on early pregnancy bleeding and pregnancy loss
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Access to counselling and emotional support
For more information see our 'Helpful Links' page.
When to seek urgent medical attention
If, while waiting for your appointment, you experience any of the following, please seek immediate medical help:
• Severe lower abdominal pain
• Heavy or continuous bleeding
• Severe nausea or vomiting
• Feeling faint, dizzy, or generally unwell
• Fever or signs of infection
Attend your nearest Emergency Department or the CUMH Emergency Room.
Opening hours
Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 1:00pm
Outside of these hours, please contact/attend the CUMH Emergency Room, open 24 hours a day.
Contact and location
Early Pregnancy Unit
Unit 3 & 3A, South Ring Business Park,
Kinsale Road, Cork, T12 F88X
Tel: 021 4927441
Find directions to the EPU in our 'How to Find Us' section.
We’re here to help
We know that early pregnancy concerns can be a deeply worrying experience. Our team is committed to providing prompt, compassionate care — supporting you medically, emotionally, and personally throughout your journey.