Early pregnancy care involves a range of staff including Sonographers, Midwives, Doctors and Support staff who specialise in identifying and managing the problems of early pregnancy such as bleeding and pain.

The Early Pregnancy Unit runs every Monday to Friday from 8am to 1pm on an appointment-only basis at the Kinsale Road Clinic, T12 F88X.

Women with complications in early pregnancy are seen through referrals from their GP or the Emergency Room in CUMH. This appointment will be prioritised based on the amount of bleeding, the number of weeks you are, and what your doctor’s findings were when examined.

In early pregnancy to assist us in making a diagnosis there are two ways we can view the womb:

1. Trans-abdominally (through the stomach) 
2. Trans-vaginally (an internal scan)

A full bladder is required for the trans-abdominal scan, a minimum of one pint of water an hour before would assist in obtaining the best views. If views are not obtained or pregnancy is too early we will then proceed to a transvaginal ultrasound with an empty bladder.

It is often a good idea to have the support of a partner, relative or close friend. However, we have limited space in our waiting area and scan rooms so only one person will be allowed to attend with you.

As per Hospital policy, we ask you not to bring children.

Sometimes it is not possible to confirm a diagnosis in one visit and follow-up ultrasounds and blood tests may be required over a subsequent number of days or weeks until a safe diagnosis has been confirmed.

If you have a query about your appointment or cannot attend an appointment, please contact us on 021-4927441.

Your GP can forward a referral to the Aislinn Suite by email.

This clinic operates from the fetal assessment unit and caters to women with complicated pregnancies. Consultant Obstetricians who are specialised in Fetal Medicine attend – Prof. Keelin O’Donoghue, Dr. Dan McKenna, Dr. Fergus McCarthy, and Dr. Richard Horgan. Specialist services in the management of fetal anomalies and multiple pregnancies are provided. Where appropriate, karyotyping, surgical, neonatal, and genetic counselling is arranged before delivery, and patients attend the Perinatal Medicine Clinic for the remainder of the pregnancy. Midwife sonographers attend the fetal medicine clinic and assist with maternal blood tests as well as diagnostic and therapeutic fetal procedures.

This clinic is held on alternate Mondays in the CUMH outpatients department.

The Consultant Haematologist and the Haematology Registrar are supported by the Haemovigilance midwives. Pregnant women with bleeding disorders, clotting disorders or any other conditions requiring haematology review are referred to this clinic by their General Practitioner or Obstetrician. Referral letters should be addressed to the Haematology Consultant at the Haematology Department CUH.

This clinic is provided for women who have twins or higher multiples on board and is led by Dr Fergus McCarthy. This clinic is run in conjunction with the multiple pregnancy scanning service and focused antenatal classes. The clinic runs on Monday afternoons.

The Perinatal Medicine Clinic is a structured, specialised antenatal clinic providing multi-disciplinary care for women who experience pregnancies necessitating increased care and surveillance.

The PMC caters for patients with a wide variety of medical, psychological and social issues and works in close liaison with Anaesthetics, Neonatology, Renal, Cardiology, Haematology and Infectious Diseases specialist services. Patients can be referred to the PMC by their GP directly or by CUMH midwives/doctors at the booking visit. Perinatal medicine clinics take place on Monday and Tuesday mornings.

This clinic provides advice to couples with pre-existing medical problems considering pregnancy and takes place weekly. The clinic is on a one to one basis on Wednesday evenings.

Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) is the medical name for severe sickness and vomiting during pregnancy.

About 8 in every 10 women will feel sick or vomit during pregnancy.

Between 1 and 3 out of every 100 pregnant people get HG - the effects can usually last longer than morning sickness. If treated, HG should not harm your baby. But if you're losing weight, there is a chance your baby could be born small.

More information on Symptoms and treatment of Hyperenesis Gravidarum (HG)

Cariban Clinic:

You will require a referral letter from your GP for an appointment in the cariban clinic. You will be booked into the next available clinic appointment to be reviewed by a Consultant.

The clinic runs every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday at Cork University Maternity Hospital.