Women who require an abdominal ultrasound during their pregnancy are asked to come to the ultrasound department with a full bladder. This helps to:
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Make the woman's uterus easier to visualise by pushing any loops of her bowel up and out of the way, especially during early pregnancy. The bowel contains air (or gas) and ultrasound waves do not travel well through air. |
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Move the uterus higher up in the woman's belly, making the unborn baby easier see. |
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Make the bladder clearer to identify on ultrasound, especially during later pregnancy. However, a partially full bladder is usually sufficient for an ultrasound examination during later pregnancy. |
To achieve a full bladder, you need to go to the toilet and empty your bladder (pass urine) about 1 to 2 hours before the ultrasound appointment is scheduled. Then drink about 3 to 4 glasses of water (non-fizzy) in the hour prior to the appointment, without going to the toilet again until after the ultrasound examination. If your scheduled appointment is running late and you need to go to the toilet, they may allow you to partially empty your bladder ('let out half' - if this is physically possible!) However, ask if you can do this before you do. If you require a vaginal ultrasound, the ultrasonographer will ask you to empty your bladder.
The ultrasound room is usually darkened so the images on the screen can be clearly seen. If the ultrasound is 'trans-abdominal' (through your belly) then you will need to wear clothing that can expose your belly easily and you will lie on a hospital bed (usually semi sitting). For a vaginal ultrasound, you will need to remove your underwear and lie with your bottom on the edge of the bed (similar to a
pap test), so that the ultrasound probe can be gently placed into the vagina.