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Original poster

20 week scan - needs a full bladder or not?

28 replies

StuckOnARollercoaster · 10/01/2013 09:56

For the 12 week scan there was an extra leaflet with the appointment letter explaining the need for a full bladder.
No such leaflet with 20 week scan letter - is that because you no longer need a full bladder because of being further along or is it because they assume you'll know to have a full bladder based on the previous scan?
thanks

OP posts:
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ShowOfHands · 10/01/2013 09:57

Nope not necessary.

Nuttyprofessor · 10/01/2013 09:58

No. The womb will already be high up.

MorrisZapp · 10/01/2013 09:58

Nope

ALittleBitOfMagic · 10/01/2013 09:59

No you don't need it .

seekingpeaceandquiet · 10/01/2013 10:14

From my experience this time round it would be helpful. Baby's head was right down and they couldn't do the face checks they needed even after sending me out 3 times to drink water/move about so I had to rebook for the following week.
Again I did not drink too much just a coupe of those small plastic cups and was sent to drink and fill my bladder completely so she could do the checks.

Littlemissexpecting · 10/01/2013 10:17

I got told to go with a full bladder as its easier to empty it if required instead of filling it

HavingALittleFaithBaby · 10/01/2013 10:28

Mine came with a letter saying to have a full bladder. They'll want a urine sample anyway. I did see a thread like this before and a sonographer said 'Yes please!'. I didn't drink as much as for the 12 week scan because I was in agony and they said if anything my bladder was too full that time. I drank about a pint an hour before and it was fine.

mumnosbest · 10/01/2013 10:30

{grin} @ 'easier to empty. Have you tried at 20wks? I went with a full bladder and was asked to do half a wee. When you're desperate and pg that's no easy task I tell you!

My letters said 1pt at 12wks and 1/2pt at 20wks.

mumnosbest · 10/01/2013 10:37

Grin even

plannedshock · 10/01/2013 10:46

I was bursting before my 20wk scan and went to the loo without thinking literally just before they called me through, could see everything super clear so no!

StillSlightlyCrumpled · 10/01/2013 11:07

Definitely not an empty bladder as its difficult to get a true idea of the placenta positioning. Full ish is fine.

weeblueberry · 10/01/2013 11:28

Isn't it interesting how much variance there is with this? I certainly didn't have a full bladder when I went, nor did I get a letter to ask me to have one! And they definitely didn't ask me for a urine sample...what does the sonographer need this for? Isn't it a midwife thing?

Onezerozero · 10/01/2013 11:29

I drank two thirds of a small bottle of water when I got to the waiting room at the time my appointment was due. 45 minutes later when I went in (which was about what I expected), it was fine!

HavingALittleFaithBaby · 10/01/2013 11:35

Sonographer doesn't do the urine dip blueberry, I handed mine to a HCA who gave the results to the midwife when I was seen after my scan. The sonographer I referred to had just said she preferred to have a fuller bladder as it made her job easier!

The variation in Pre-natal care in general is massive, I've been really surprised!

Original poster
StuckOnARollercoaster · 10/01/2013 11:55

Thanks all - I will try and find a middle ground in that I won't drink lots of water like the 12 week scan but enough so its hopefully not completely empty.
Knowing my luck it will be one of those days where everything is pressing on the bladder so I'll want to be going to the loo every 10 minutes!

OP posts:
TwitchyTail · 10/01/2013 11:58

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TwitchyTail · 10/01/2013 11:59

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Pritchyx · 10/01/2013 12:23

I'd drink pop or water until you feel your bladder getting full, but not too full. I drank 30 mins before hand and my pictures have all been clear! X

Paradisefound · 10/01/2013 13:21

No, I emptied my bladder before I went in.

milkyjo · 10/01/2013 16:02

In my first pregnancy I was told I didn't need a full bladder. This time I was told to have a full bladder! Different trusts. If it doesn't tell you to have a full bladder I would spare your discomfort!

Tinselandchocolates · 10/01/2013 16:53

I emptied my bladder just before going in (hadn't been asked for a full bladder) but it made it difficult to see placental position, as mentioned above.
You don't need much in your bladder, and I'd avoid full, but definitely not completely empty.

PuffPants · 10/01/2013 17:00

I'm sure at my scans they said empty better than full.

worsestershiresauce · 10/01/2013 17:47

No, wasn't asked for one, didn't need one. On an earlier thread someone said that a sonographer had told them they only require a full bladder for larger ladies as for obvious reasons they are more difficult to scan.... but political correctness means they can't say that. So, if you are a skinny minnie, no, and if you are aren't, yes!

[Ducks, and waits for outrage...]

Jollyb · 10/01/2013 23:05

Why don't you give them a ring?

thunksheadontable · 10/01/2013 23:22

I think it doesn't strictly speaking matter but can improve clarity of the picture. That is what sonographer told me.

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