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Antenatal care (before giving birth)

During your pregnancy, you’ll have regular antenatal (pre-birth) appointments.

Ultrasound scans

We offer an ultrasound scan at the booking visit with a further detailed scan between 18 weeks and 20+6 days of pregnancy.

You are welcome to bring one adult person with you. We are unable to accommodate children during ultrasound scans.

We can provide keepsake photographs of your baby for your photograph album. This service is supported by donations.

Antenatal education classes

Classes are held both in the hospital and within the community. Your options will be discussed at the booking clinic.

Your midwife will provide you with information to help you make informed choices regarding your:

  • pregnancy
  • birth
  • post-natal care

Early Pregnancy Assessment Suite (EPAS)

This is an emergency triage unit for pregnancy complications under 17 weeks gestation. Reviews are by appointment only and can be arranged by self-referral or by health professionals.

The unit is situated on the first floor of the Maternity Unit, enter via the Maternity Unit main entrance. We have a comfortable but small waiting area. One other adult may accompany you to the unit.

Due to the sensitive nature of the unit, please make alternative arrangements for the care of any children.

Due to the nature of EPAS, emergencies may arise delaying appointments. On average, please allow approximately 2 hours for your appointment.

Maternity assessment

This unit provides urgent midwifery advice, triage, and assessment, 24 hours per day, all year round.

We are here to support you should you have concerns about your pregnancy or the wellbeing of your baby. We also provide emergency advice and care for those who have recently had a baby.

The midwife will be able to give advice, contact your midwife, or arrange a hospital assessment. You may be asked to attend the unit for assessment.

We are situated on the ground floor of the Maternity Unit, enter via the Maternity Unit main entrance from 7am to 10pm. From 10pm until 7am, admission to the unit is by the labour suite entrance situated at the rear of the building. This is clearly signposted.

One adult may accompany you to the unit. You will need to make alternative arrangements for the care of other children as needed.

To contact the unit, please telephone. We are always happy to take your call.

Maternity day care

Maternity day care provides care for women who require closer monitoring during their pregnancy. It is situated in the Pink Zone of University Hospital Crosshouse and can be accessed:

  • via the main hospital entrance (at the bus stop) following the signs to the Pink Zone
  • behind the Maternity Unit next to Day Surgery/Endoscopy
  • via the door at the Renal Unit (door behind the yellow pillar to the left-hand side of the emergency department [ED]).

In addition to routine maternity day care appointments, there are various clinics provided within the unit. These include:

  • Diabetes
  • Glucose Tolerance
  • Medical Obstetric
  • Multiples
  • Anaesthetic

Other services include Community Midwife appointments and some ultrasound scanning.

One adult may accompany you to the unit. You will need to make alternative arrangements for the care of other children as needed.