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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

First scan tomorrow - any advice welcomed!

15 replies

Bjxa21 · 11/03/2013 18:50

I have my first scan tomorrow, will be 13 weeks. I'm excited and petrified at the same time. I'm 35, so reasonably scared about the NT results.

I know I have to have a full bladder, but will I have to wee in a pot before the scan or will they make me wait til afterwards? Sorry about the dim q's, it's my first pregnancy, and I still feel quite bewildered my everything! Any other sage advice from you ladies?

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Kelly1814 · 11/03/2013 18:53

Hello and congratulations! My 12 week scan is in two weeks, I'm 36 ( will be 37 when baby is born) so also have concerns.

I checked and was told did not need to have a full bladder for the scan, would love to hear other ladies experiences on this!

Ellypoo · 11/03/2013 19:01

When I went for mine, they gave me a pot when first went in and they said to do the sample after the scan. If you have a pot though, do one at home in the morning and take it with you.

Good luck both of you!!

AliceWChild · 11/03/2013 19:05

I got told off for not drinking enough and made to sit in the corner with a jug of water. 2nd scan I drank plenty but then had to wait ages and was very painful. No weeing in pots that I recall.

LadySnapcase · 11/03/2013 19:07

I had to have a full bladder, then as has happened on both of my previous early scans I was rapidly instructed to go empty it once she started scanning! Guess my bladder is awkwardly positioned or something I didn't have to do any pot weeing for mine at all...

Good luck

Pinkbump3 · 11/03/2013 19:10

Hi ladies i had my 12 week scan today i wasnt asked to pee in pot but i would imagine that if they wanted you to it would be after. this is no4 for me im 35 also. usually only check your pee at mw appointment. if its booking appt and scan then they will prob want a sample. I would say though make sure your bladder is full for the scan as that pushes the uterus up and helps make the scan clear esp at this early stage thats always the advice i have been given before scans and todays was the same. good luck with your scans x

Lucyellensmum95 · 11/03/2013 19:23

You do need a full bladder, more important for the first scan than second - Make sure you know where the ladies is and plan a clear route for when the scan is over. I didnt drink the full 2l though as i thought i would probably throw up!

Original poster

Bjxa21 · 11/03/2013 19:28

2l? For real? Jeepers! Thank you all for responding so quickly.

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TotallyEggFlipped · 11/03/2013 19:30

I think most places advise a 'comfortably full' bladder. It can help with the scan and they can always ask you to pee to empty it, which is much quicker than to fill it!

If you get asked if its ok for a student to be present, say yes. Your scan will take longer and you'll get a better explanation of everything.

Good luck & enjoy!

MerryMarigold · 11/03/2013 19:32

Brace yourself for twins. You never know!

Christelle2207 · 11/03/2013 19:48

I too had to pee (not in pot, in toilet) soon after getting there because too full bladder meant image not great - different for everyone but usually pics better with fullish bladder.
Try not to worry about nt- I am 34 and my risk came back as 1 in 9000.

LouiseD29 · 11/03/2013 19:57

Hi Bjxa! Good luck with your scan. I too am 35 and was anxious about NT, but it came back 1 in 4,500. Also, don't drink tooooo much before the scan or you'll lie there desperate for a wee and not enjoying seeing your bean for the first time. It's a wonderful moment! I had a couple of pints about an hour before and it was fine. Very clear picture.

Cavort · 11/03/2013 19:57

YY to full (but not burstingly so) bladder.

Don't worry about the NT results. I am 34 (nearly 35) and mine is 1:100,000. Also, don't worry that the results don't come back for ages. Mine took over two weeks to arrive in the post but I was told if a problem was flagged up they would ring within a few days of the scan, so no news is good news

Twinklestarstwinklestars · 11/03/2013 20:02

On our letter for 12 week scan it said to drink 800ml, 20 weeks was 500ml but I only had 200ml and it was too full so I had to go to the toilet. Got another scan tomorrow and letter says you'll be relieved to know there's no need for a full bladder! Good job as hospital is 1.5 hours away so could never hold it that long!

FossilMum · 11/03/2013 20:04

My memory is the bladder should be fullish for the scan to help them see things properly, but not to bursting in case they're running late, and that they don't ask for a pee sample at that stage. I went to loo before leaving home, then drank on the way there and in the waiting room.

Suggest you take DP or other moral support with you just in case they find anything you hadn't expected. If all's going well, as is most likely, they'll be delighted to see the scan with you; if anything is unusual you'll be glad they're there.

Original poster

Bjxa21 · 11/03/2013 20:47

Thank you again, you're all gems! DH is coming along, we're making an afternoon of it! I think I'm irrationally scared because so far my pg has been really easy, no ms, no weirdy cravings, so maybe I'm thinking my luck's running out! My mum had me at my age now, with no complications, so maybe I'm being silly. I'll be really relieved after tomorrow! Thanks again.

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