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Pregnancy

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

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Original poster

Scans with a full bladder.

34 replies

Lullaby88 · 04/10/2021 23:16

Anyone else agree that one of the most uncomfortable feelings during pregnancy are the ultrasound scan appointments? They're so nerve wracking yet so exciting because u get to meet ur unborn child on screen.
But the fact my hospital asks to drink 2 litres of water before the scan and then they prod and prod my lower abdomen to the point I'd piss I can't fully enjoy the scan.
Luckily the sonographer I had on my last appointment noticed how full my bladder was on the ultrasound and let me go hav a wee.and the relief !
I could enjoy the scan so much more!! I couldn't thank her enough
Anyone else feel this uncomfortable? Or do they not drink 2 litres!

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longtimelurkerfirsttimeposter · 04/10/2021 23:18

I was told not to drink the full two litres as it actually obscured the scan and I had to go and empty it both times.
I would drink enough that you're not fit to burst.

Xyzzzzz · 04/10/2021 23:20

I usuallly get away with having a pint of water and it’s enough. But even then if they press (which they do) I feel fit to burst.

surreymum89 · 04/10/2021 23:20

Maybe depends on the scanning machine because at our local hospital I didn't have to have a full bladder or drink any extra for any of my pregnancy scans , which was lucky as I very sick the entire time and couldn't drink big quantities of any liquid ! But yes that does sound very uncomfortable for you

Braxos · 04/10/2021 23:21

I've never done the 2L thing, just drink normal amounts and don't pee for an hour beforehand and that's plenty!

FluffMagnet · 04/10/2021 23:23

2 litres? Flipping heck! For the 12 week appointment I'd drink a glass of water before leaving for the hospital (so about an hour or just over prior to appointment) and for the 20 week scan wouldn't even worry with that, just wouldn't go for a wee at the hospital before the appointment. Ours just asks that you don't have an empty bladder.

Original poster

Lullaby88 · 04/10/2021 23:43

Feel quite gutted lol that no one has had to do this.feel like filing in complaint its not easy drinking 2 L straight and the waiting in the waiting room and the being prodded and not to forget feel like iv been water poisoned and end up with a headache!
They said it has to be done because if u don't the scan won't be clear. And someone has said the opposite lol. Could be the machines that they use.

OP posts:

AnonymousXXIX · 05/10/2021 06:44

I had to drink loads for the early scans (can't remember how much) but the appointments are always running late so it was SO uncomfortable...

I actually stopped following the rules and just have a small glass of water before going to hospital now and no one's complained so far.. and they always let me go for a wee halfway through the scan either way : )

Hmumoftw0 · 05/10/2021 07:24

@Lullaby88 I drank a litre for an early scan but they was an hour behind when she stated pressing all I could think was DONT WEE ON THE BED I would say up to a litre is more than enough!

grey12 · 05/10/2021 07:29

It is important especially for very early scans. Later scans there is no need

My first scan with DD1 (6/7 weeks) the technician said it was very helpful that my bladder was very full. Actually it was full and then I had to wait for like 45min I almost peed on the floor! Didn't hear a word of what she said after the scan!!! Just ran to the bathroom. Luckily DH was with me

gettingolderbutcooler · 05/10/2021 07:31

I actually peed gallons when they scanned- could have died from embarrassment 😔

tiredanddangerous · 05/10/2021 07:32

I didn't do this with any of my scans. The hospital double book every appointment because they get so many no shows but of course if everyone turns up you can be waiting hours. If they really want to you drink a couple of litres of water an hour before the appointment they need to be running to time!

8dpwoah · 05/10/2021 07:34

I did it to the letter with my first but this time struggled to drink enough (nausea from that sloshy feeling) but found that a normal glass before and then sipping while waiting got me through. Did same for subsequent scans and had to have my 20week again as her head was buried rather than floating on my bladder pillow .

I've had a LOT of scans with this one and agree with the later ones it made no odds if I went 'dry' but I guess it depends on your bladder capacity and where the baby is as much as anything else. Two litres does sound a lot though, I'm sure ours says one?

MyCatDribbles · 05/10/2021 07:37

Are you sure it said 2L? That is a huge amount of liquid
At our trust we say 1L

Onaloop · 05/10/2021 07:49

I read that online but my doctor has never asked me to drink before a scan (I live in Germany) and I've had about 15 scans as I had a previous loss. I usually have to pee in a cup before every scan anyway!

wannabeamummysobad · 05/10/2021 07:53

I've had 2 early scans at 7 +2 and 10+2 (first pregnancy and between the internet and MN) i worried I had every bad symptom going.

Before my 7W scan they said come with a full bladder so I drank 750ml an hour before... the sonographer put the probe on my tummy saw baby and a strong heartbeat immediately then told me to wee so she could take accurate measurements.

At 10W I was running errands ahead of my appointment so drank my normal 1.5-2L (I have excema and workout so drink around 4L a day to keep my skin hydrated- until pregnancy this didn't cause me to wee excessively). Because baby was bigger it was fine but the sonographer also showed me how full my bladder was 🤣.

She's said that the recommendation is directed at women who think 2-3 cups of tea before lunch is hydration and said that because I'm a very hydrated person i should have a glass ahead of my morning appointment then not wee until after.

Good luck with your scan

tiggerwhocamefortea · 05/10/2021 07:55

Try having an IVF embryo transfer with a full bladder (requirement so that it lifts the uterus into good position) so having a long tube inserted up there and then them faffing about for several minutes whilst they sort the paperwork etc whilst simultaneously clenching to stop peeing yourself 🤣

hullaballoo19 · 05/10/2021 08:01

I have a really 'active' bladder and need to wee frequently even when not pregnant. At my 12 week scan they ran late and by the time I got in I was bursting and thought I would wet myself! It's so uncomfortable when they're pushing on you as well. The sonographer actually made me go for a wee because my bladder was too full to get a clear image. Had a private scan at 17 weeks and a 20 week scan and for both I just drank a bit before and while waiting and was clear enough so I think you'll be fine drinking less next time 😊

letsmakethishappen · 05/10/2021 08:06

I wish I didn’t drink 2 pints as told because I was so uncomfortable in the waiting room, it was painful only to be told to empty it as it was too full

Vindo · 05/10/2021 08:09

Here the advice is usually 2 pints, rather than 2 litres. I'd explode if I tried to drink that much!

Caspianberg · 05/10/2021 08:09

I never had this. I’m not in uk, and had read on Nhs website and from friends the whole drink loads, need a full bladder malarkey.

When I checked here they said that’s only needed on really old machines and not needed anymore. My first scan was around 7 weeks and no issues with lack of huge amounts of water drink.

WrapAroundYourDreams · 05/10/2021 08:14

I remember having this with my two, NHS, between 5-10 years ago. It was awful. And I felt so sick on the way to the 2 week scan for my son, had to stop the car and be sick at the side of the road. Not easy with a very full bladder.

Phoenix2021 · 05/10/2021 08:19

My advice is don't follow their rule, adjust it.
I'm in Ireland but it says drink 500ml one hour before appointment time for early scans and this is enough, as like the others by they see you its usually two hours have passed and scans after 15 weeks don't need require full bladder.

I wouldn't drink more than this its not necessary, half a litre will do the job and is still uncomfortable for me.

JuneySunshine · 05/10/2021 08:22

I do 1 pint 1 hour before and it's been fine. I think our advice was 1 of 2 pints and I'm small so I went with that 😊

Even so, baby was being awkward last time and it did feel like she was putting pressure on a lot. She let me go and pee before the bloods and everything thank god!

Somerandomgirl · 05/10/2021 09:48

I dont drink what they say...1 cup before i start my journey to the hospital..maybe in the waiting area too.. i cant hold that much pee

Jonesy88 · 05/10/2021 22:42

My appointment letters said 2 pints up to and including 20 weeks.

I agree it’s definitely uncomfortable but it’s a lot easier for them to say go for a wee/half a wee than not being able to see anything on the scan because the bladder hasn’t pushed up the uterus enough and it being a failed appointment.

I know you mentioned it took the shine off but really it’s a medical scan and it’s primary purpose is health related not for enjoyment. I’m aware this sounds harsh but ultimately that is it’s purpose.

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