Scans

[Scase1firsttimemum]

I've heard today that you have to have a full bladder when they do your scan.. Is this true?!

[Cel982]

Early in pregnancy, yes. Later on it doesn't really matter.

[Daffydil]

Yep. Not so important later in pregnancy, but at the start you do need a full bladder.

[GastonsPomPomWrath]

I think it varies across the country to be honest. My hospital recommends that you do. Some don't. I got a letter with a date for the scan and it was on there.

[LouLou030783]

I got my scan letter and it doesn't say have a full bladder however my friend who's a midwife in the department said I need to x

[WineSpider]

Depends how early the scan is - if it's really early (under 10 weeks where I am) it would be internal so you need an empty bladder.

If it is the 12 week dating scan then you need a full bladder - you don't need to maje yourself really uncomfortable, just don't wee for a couple of hours before hand.

If in doubt, a full bladder is easier to empty than an empty bladder is to fill!

Good luck.

[Scase1firsttimemum]

Ahh damn, scared Im going to wee myself now! I have been peeing like a race horse, talk about increases urination! Thank you, Im hoping to get my scan letter through soon, how long did yours take to come through after your first midwife appointment?

[GastonsPomPomWrath]

3/4 weeks I think.

Don't worry about peeing yourself, if it's uncomfortable for you, you only have to say and they let you go!

[Daffydil]

At my 12 week scan the sonographer made me get up and jiggle about and swing my hips to try and get a better angle. Hoola hooping with a full bladder in the 1st tri of a second pregnancy is not a good idea

[Runningupthathill82]

I got my scan date the day after my first midwife appointment. But in my area they only do booking appointments after 10 weeks - so I was almost 11 weeks by the midwife appt, and given a scan date for 13 weeks.

As far as the bladder thing goes, where I am, women are told in the scan letter to have a full bladder for both the dating and the anomaly scan.

I was told this was due to higher than average obesity rates in my area (major UK city teaching hospital) and apparently it's harder to scan obese women - but having a full bladder makes it easier.

Rather than embarrassing women with a high BMI, I guess it makes sense to tell everyone to drink a pint of water first.

[Scase1firsttimemum]

Ahh Im 12 weeks in 2 weeks and only had midwife last wednesday!

[1frenchfoodie]

Like running they advise a full bladder for 12 and 20 wks scans in my area but don't say the reason is difficulty of scanning obest women. When I, size 8, turned up for the 12 wk scan the sonographer just marvelled at my 'enormous' bladder and sent me to the toilet.

[frikadela01]

I had my booking in on Thursday when I was 10 weeks. Got my scan letter today, my scan is on 29th. It said to have a pint of water before going.

[seven201]

I wish I knew this before I went! I had my 12 week scan today and the sonographer said it was difficult as my bladder was quite empty. It didn't mention anything in the letter, no sign in the toilet right by the scan room either! I'm not obese, but I definitely have never hat a flat stomach, even when I was a size 8, it's just where fat likes to sit on me! I don't think your bladder needs to be full to bursting, just don't see for an hour before I'd say.