Scans with a full bladder.

[Lullaby88]

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!

I went for a very early private scan at 7 weeks and I took the instructions very literally with how much to drink. We pulled up outside (at night time) about 15 minutes before the time it said. I said to my partner I couldn’t sit in the car any longer as I was about to pee myself. I had to undo the button on my jeans and I made him come with me to pace up and down the street trying to distract myself 🙈 Amazingly, I had drank so much that they were able to do the normal ultrasound and didn’t have to do an internal scan. I was delighted there was a heartbeat but couldn’t get out the room quick enough to bolt for the toilets when it was finished 😂 Since then I learnt my lesson and I went to the toilet half an hour before every scan, as I guessed my bladder would refill in that time if I was well hydrated enough. One of the times in hospital we passed a toilet on the way to the scan and I couldn’t help myself, I just had to go! The scan was still just as clear though. I think it’s only really that important at the early scans

It's really depends on your body type. I am very slim and always went to the toilet before my scans as it would of been so uncomfortable. I told my doctor about it and shesaid as I have no fat, they can see everything clearly. They told me they suggest full bladder especially for women who overweight, as it is harder for them to get a clear picture.

I was told only 500ml! Even then, then I got in the sonographer very quickly said "oh my, that's a very full bladder!" and ended up sending me to empty my bladder because it was obscuring her view.

Never been asked to drink any amount before a scan. And they sent me off with a wee sample pot on arrival everytime so it wouldn't have been possible anyway.

I didn't particularly enjoy scans anyway. Only ever felt to me like a time where I was potentially about to be given devastating news and I was just relieved when each was done. Nevernhad any emotional connection to the screen. DH took pictures of the screen (our trust don't print anything so suggest this instead) but I was never interested in them.

I was marched to the toilet to empty my bladder before my last scan! A grumpy sonographer still made the whole thing super awkward!

Interesting to read all your experiences! Thanks for sharing. Thought it was the same instructions throughout the UK but seems each Trust does advice differently?!

I've never been told to drink 2 litres before a scan and just wouldn't be able to. That's probably my daily amount.
My trust have never been very prescriptive about it, they said drink a glass or two of water. Never had any problems with a scan and I usually have a wee just before I leave the house.

I always drink a can of Coke half an hour before to wake baby up! Don't want them sleeping through it!

Lol. Coke sounds like a better alternative