20 week scan - full or empty bladder??

[kittypower]

I've got my 20 week scan in the morning and am really excited but also really nervous. Am I supposed to drink heaps of water like the 12 week scan and have a full bladder or not drink and have an empty bladder?

Thanks
XX

Hmmm I'm sure you still have to have a full bladder but its been a few years and I can't remember!! Someone will be along soon far more wise than me!!! Enjoy!!

A pint and a half an hour before - ouch!

Full bladder,sorry

I've got my 20 week scan in four weeks time, the letter from the hospital says that you only need full bladder before 12 weeks. With DS1 and DS2 20 wk scan was with empty bladder. HTH

Better to go with a full bladder and have to empty it than need to wait for it to fill up . I was told mine was to full when I had my 20 week scan with dd2.

Doesn't matter. With dc1 I had a full one, baby was in a funny position so they sent me to have a wee to see if it would move. Dcs 2 & 3 I think I just had a 'normal' one, didn't drink any extra or wee especailly and it was fine.

Hi, how exciting !! I drank so much water at my 12 week scan I had to wee before I went in so it was all a waste.....!

The sonographer said you only need a pint or two which should be just enough to fill your bladder to push your uterus up so they can get a better look...its not the end of the world though if you don't manage it.

She also said it takes at least 30-40 minutes to reach your bladder so dont bother downing it before you go it (which I did at my 20 week scan so again it was all a waste!!)

Basically I managed no water for both my scans and they still saw all they needed too......enjoy !!
xx

How odd, it can't change depending on your health authority can it?

When I went for mine she told me to go for a wee because my bladder was too full! So I don't think you need to drink too much.

Does it say on your letter you got telling the date.

Mine a week on friday it states toliet an hour before then drink one and half to two pints of water.

I was TOLD you needed a full bladder, then got there and they said: 'oh no, that's rubbish, go have a wee'. So I guess it depends where you are.

Same as Tatties. I had a pint as advised then after 5 minutes of scanning was told to go fully empty my bladder. I've heard they sometimes ask you to half empty your bladder

In theory you are meant to have a full bladder, but I reckon you'll be fine if you just have a bit of drink in you (i.e. not just been, but not full to bursting)

I didn't need a full bladder for my 12 week scan, doesn't it depend on the machinery used?

At all my scans I never had a full bladder.In fact sometimes I had only had one small drink.
It stated on one of the leaflets we were given that you didnt need a full bladder anymore.I think it depends what machine the hospital uses.

Noone needs a full bladder at 20 weeks as the uterus has risen above the pelvis by then.

I got told off for having a full bladder at my 20 week scan - apparently it's necessary for the 12 week scan to push your uterus into view, but by the time you get to the 20 week scan it's large enough to be in view anyway and a full bladder just obscures the picture. This is what I was told as I hopped nervously by the door desperate to go to the loo.

I reckon my hospital just enjoy watching me squirm then they insist on a full bladder with each scan - or maybe they just have sh**e equipment!

Probably both. I know the midwives at my hospital get a kick out of betting each other which mum2be will not make it to the loo in time.

My letter says "please attend with a comfortably full bladder" (whatever that is!).

A 'comfortably full bladder' is an oxymoron, that's like a 'comfortable labour' IMHO

Good word oxymoron!!!!!!!!!!!!