Do I need a full bladder for the 20 week scan?

[TeachingPuffin]

Just that really. Scan isn't for another 2.5 hours but I need a wee now!

You can wee, you only need a full bladder for the earlier scans

What PP said. The full bladder is only for early scans to get your uterus in the right position. Wee and get comfortable!

At my hospital you need to have an empty bladder for all scans. Newer machines don't require a full bladder. In fact I was asked to go for a wee halfway through one of my scans because my bladder was half full apparently and it was making things difficult to see.

My hospital tells you to drink a crap tonne of water and have a full bladder as standard for all scans, even at 35 weeks! I stopped bothering after 12 weeks and it's always been fine.

I have had 3 scans including 20 week and was told to drink a pint of water before all 3 (an hour before). Seems everyone is being told different things which is a little confusing xx

I had my 20 week scan yesterday and had an empty bladder as I need to pee all the time!

I went to my 20w scan with a full bladder and was told to go and empty it. Looking back the 12w scan appointment letter stated a full bladder was needed, the 20w letter didn’t so check your letter to see what it says

I just had a 34 week scan and was told to drink a litre of water! Funnily enough baby's bladder was fuller than mine and age refused to empty it making it hard for the sonographer apparently.

Not possible in my hospital as before the scans they do birth checks and that means you have to provide a urine sample.

My letter didn't say anything. I had a wee at 11, then drank a pint of water on the way to the scan. Sonographer had to go around my bladder but said it was fine. I then had to go for a walk to get the baby to move and was allowed to wee. Everything was also clearly visible then. Long story short: it doesn't seem to matter!

Everything was well with the baby, so we're delighted