Diagnosis of Miscarriage and Services Available
The following sections will explain the relevant health care providers as well as the departments in Cork University Maternity Hospital that women can attend when they experience symptoms of miscarriage. We will also discuss the role and function each of these departments has in helping you deal with a miscarriage.
Role of the GP
Your GP’s Surgery or South Doc is the first place to contact/attend if you are experiencing mild to moderate vaginal bleeding or abdominal pain in early pregnancy. Your GP may already be aware of your pregnancy. They will ask you details of your symptoms and your relevant medical history. A physical examination may also be necessary to determine a diagnosis. If your GP considers you need further investigations, they will refer you to the Emergency Room in CUMH or to the Early Pregnancy Unit (EPU) at the Kinsale Road Clinic.
​Role of the Emergency Room
The Emergency Room in CUMH is the first place to attend if you are having heavy vaginal bleeding or severe abdominal pain in pregnancy. Here the midwives will take a brief history and may take some blood tests depending on your symptoms. A doctor will see you and they will take a medical history, perform a physical examination to determine your care pathway. If you are physically stable you may be allowed to return home.
An appointment to the EPU at the Kinsale Road Clinic will be arranged for you and will take place a day or so after discharge. Limited scans are performed in the Emergency Room. The optimal time for an early pregnancy scan is 8 weeks gestation as it will provide the most accurate picture of pregnancy. An ultrasound scan may be necessary prior to this, however, a definitive diagnosis may not be possible at the first scan.
Early Pregnancy Unit (EPU), Kinsale Road Clinic
The EPU is a specialised unit where trained sonographers proide early pregnancy scans. This unit is appointment-based, and your GP or the Emergency Room will organise the scan appointment for you.
The EPU is located at the Kinsale Road Clinic. Find directions to the EPU here.​
