12 weeks scan - full bladder?

[Stressingabtstress]

I have seen conflicting info on this. My letter just says "we may ask you to have a full bladder" but it is their standard scan wording which isn't specific to the 12 week scan.

If you recently had yours, what did they tell you to do? I really don't want to feel uncomfortable with a full bladder if it's not necessary, and then be asked to empty it for the scan, as I would rather avoid using the toilet and exposing myself to more germs ideally :)

Thanks!

Scans are clearer and easier for the sonographer if you have a full bladder. Same at 20 week scan. If they struggle and your bladder isnt full you'll be sent to have a drink and go for a walk.

Usually a full bladder is advised.

There's a balance, mine was too full at my 12 week scan and I got sent off for "half a wee" so you don't need to be absolutely bursting.

That's super helpful thank you! I will aim for half full!

It was impossible at my pregnancy scans because they double book every appointment and you'd be waiting over an hour after your appointment time. I didn't have a full bladder for any of them and it wasn't a problem.

Depends on the scanner I think- as in how new it is.

I didn’t need a full bladder on any of my scans, nor did anyone else at the hospital I used.

Asked the sonographer who said it isn’t necessary any more.

Mine says drink 1 pint of clear liquid 1 hour before the scan

I had to have a full bladder for mine, as far as I'm aware it makes it easier for the sonographer to see baby

I found a pint of clear liquid an hour before gave me a comfortably full bladder, but I guess it would depend if there was a long delay or not!

I didn't have a letter for my scan and only found out about it the day before. I didn't know how much I needed to drink so didn't have much, and had a bit more when I got there and it was fine. Probably about 2 average glass fulls of water.
At my 20 week scan they made me wait so long to go in I thought I was going to see myself and ended up going to the toilet. My husband went and bought me a bottle of water and I had that and it was fine too. I don't think it needs to be too much

If I remember correctly we were sent for a pee sample first anyway. So no, didn’t need a full bladder.

@IslaRoseGraceEtc

Usually a full bladder is advised.

There's a balance, mine was too full at my 12 week scan and I got sent off for "half a wee" so you don't need to be absolutely bursting.

Same here! 🙈😂