Dr Lily Kho, Consultant, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, KKH, demonstrates an assessment for a patient in early pregnancy.
Each month, more than 1,000 women who visit the 24-hour KKH Urgent O&G Centre (UOGC) require management for early pregnancy-related issues such as bleeding or pain in pregnancy.
To enhance and streamline access to care for women with early pregnancy issues, the Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAU) was launched in June 2020, offering dedicated, specialist management for this high-risk patient group. Since then, it has provided care to more than 1,500 patients.
“EPAU allows for swifter investigations into the woman’s early pregnancy symptoms by specialists, enabling timely identification of life-threatening conditions such as ectopic pregnancy. Early detection also facilitates appropriate management and intervention at an earlier stage of pregnancy, and allows us to reassure the expectant mother and support her emotional well-being,” shares Dr Rajeswari Kathirvel, Consultant, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, KKH, who also leads the KKH UOGC and EPAU service.
The service enables patients to be scheduled for a consultation with an obstetrics and gynaecology specialist at a dedicated timeslot within 48 hours, at the same cost as a consultation at the KKH UOGC.
“EPAU has been warmly received, with 92 per cent of patients surveyed indicating that they had a very good experience,” adds Dr Rajeswari.
When to visit the Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAU):
EPAU is suitable for women with pregnancy issues during the first 16 weeks of pregnancy. A woman should use the EPAU service if she is:
- Less than 16 weeks pregnant
- Experiencing mild abdominal pain or minimal vaginal bleeding
- Seeking early assessment / confirmation of pregnancy
Appointments and referrals can be made via the KKH Central Appointments Hotline +65 6294 4050 (Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm; Saturday, 8.30am to 1.00pm) or EPAU hotline +65 6394 1199 (Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm).
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