This can be a stressful time, in particular, if a woman has had a history of miscarriage/bleeding/sickness in the past.

Even though no test can predict the future, an early pregnancy ultrasound can serve to reassure a woman that the pregnancy is progressing as expected, confirming the correct location of the pregnancy and establishing whether it is single or multiple pregnancies.

Those women who are experiencing severe pain or heavy bleeding will very likely have a blood test taken and referred to the next available EPU (Early Pregnancy Unit) clinic, or ED (Emergency Department).

Early Pregnancy

Early pregnancy is defined as any pregnancy between 6 and 14 weeks

This can be a stressful time, in particular, if a woman has had a history of miscarriage/bleeding/sickness in the past.

Even though no test can predict the future, an early pregnancy ultrasound can serve to reassure a woman that the pregnancy is progressing as expected, confirming the correct location of the pregnancy and establishing whether it is single or multiple pregnancies.

Those women who are experiencing severe pain or heavy bleeding will very likely have a blood test taken and referred to the next available EPU (Early Pregnancy Unit) clinic, or ED (Emergency Department).

NIPT Testing

Non-invasive prenatal testing is a revolutionary means of detecting anomalies in the pregnancy as early as 10 weeks. It is a test recognised by the IMFF (Irish Maternal Foetal Foundation), and involves a scan to confirm the pregnancy is at least 10 weeks and a blood test (which detects free cell foetal DNA in the mother’s blood). Results usually return within 2 weeks.

Dr O’Hara is a recognised practitioner of NIPT testing and is listed on the EVIE website (www.evie.ie).