20 week scan

[EmilyJ90]

My 20 week scan has come round so quickly, I don’t even know what to expect or how to prepare. Do I need a full bladder & what are they scanning me for? That probably sounds so thick, but I’m a first time mum & overthink everything 😫

Full bladder and they check babies developing well - check organs and fluid and your placenta

@ew1990 thank you!

It's ok - I didn't say check babies sex because some hospitals may not tell you but you can always ask if you would like to know

Yes you will need a full bladder. I usually recommend drinking 1-1.5 pints of water about an hour beforehand.

They’ll be checking structures within the baby to make sure there do not appear to be any structural abnormalities such as head, face, chest, heart,abdomen, kidneys, bladder, limbs and spine. They will also check the position of your placenta.

Good luck, hope it all goes well. Remember 98% of anomaly scans do not reveal any abnormality.

@ew1990 I had an early gender can when I was 16 and 3, I’m having a girl :)

@MadameJosephine ah thank you, I get so nervous before a scan. I couldn’t sleep before my 12 week scan. You’ve put my mind at rest though so thanks!

Full bladder is trust dependent. My trust is never a full bladder for any scans

@EmilyJ90 pleased you asked this! I have mine tomorrow and was thinking exactly the same! Hope yours goes well.x

Really mummy? That’s unusual, dependent on the position of the baby and the placenta it can be difficult to assess them properly with an under filled bladder.

Definitely easier to empty one that’s too full than fill one that’s too empty too

@MissLaurz mines tomorrow morning too! Good luck x

@Mummyme87 @MadameJosephine I think I’ll go with a full bladder, I can always empty it if needs be. Thanks for the advice though :)

@EmilyJ90 I'm having a girl too, 38 weeks on Saturday!

@ew1990 congratulations! hope she comes right on time for you!

My hospital said in the letter that you do not need to drink lots of water beforehand and should have an empty bladder? Is it that they have a different ultrasound machine?

madamejoseph I’m a midwife and can absolutely guarantee that you do not always need a full bladder. Better ultrasound machines ensure this

@EmilyJ90 mine too. Means we must be due around the same time (March 18th)

@MissLaurz ah that’s my partners birthday! I’m due the 11th :) are you wanting to know the gender? x

@EmilyJ90 No, we want it to be a surprise (although I think it’s a boy!) I’ve not felt it move yet though so both anxious and excited for the scan! Bump is getting bigger though so hoping that’s a positive sign! Are you finding out?x

@MissLaurz I had an early gender scan as wanted to tell Dad before he passed away, I’m having a girl, beyond excited! x

@EmilyJ90 That is such a lovely things to do I’m sure he was incredibly proud and excited!xx

mummyme I’m a midwife sonographer and while I agree it is not always necessary I would still recommend it. It’s not so much to do with the ultrasound machine in my experience but the position of the baby that can be tricky with an empty bladder

sorry to hear about your dad emilyj90

I was told on the last 2 babies that I didn't need a full bladder.

NHS info leaflet here

www.pi.nhs.uk/ultrasound/screening/Booklet%20-%20Having%20a%20mid-pregnancy%20ultrasound%20scan.pdf