Do I need full bladder for nuchal scan - quick advice please?

[Rhia30]

Having nuchal scan tomorrow - confused as to whether I need a full bladder or not? Instructions say no whereas all websites and others' experiences say yes. I also have retroverted uterus so it might be a good idea cos of that too.
Does anyone know?

Can you not ring the hospital and ask? I assumed that with most early scans you'd need a full bladder, unless it's internal?

They asked me to drink 1/2 pint an hour before the scan. As it turned out my bladder was too full so I had to go and have a little bit of a pee to get it right.

Good luck!

I didn't need one for my nuchal scan (at 12 1/2 weeks) - only told full bladder for very early scans (e.g. 8 weeks). Baby is big enough by 12 weeks so easily visible. Is a really nice scan as the baby already looks like a real miniature person with all of its facial features, fingers and toes, etc. Good luck!

At my hospital they get you to empty your bladder before scans.(even the one I had at 8 weeks). They usually tell you in your appointment letter what you need to do. If not either phone a couple of hours before your appointment or go with a full bladder (at least you could empty it!)

Oops - my message seems to have disappeared. I'm only 11+2 which sounds early so maybe full bladder might aid things. And yes I have called and they said no need for full bladder "unless you want to".....erhm what? Whereas all websites I've been to say say at least semi-full bladder. Maybe I'll go with full, just in case...

I think it depends on the scanning equipment they have at your hospital. The older equipment did work better with full bladder but not necessary for more modern scanners. At my hospital you do your wee sample before your scan so they really aren't bothered!

always had scans with an empty bladder....even early ones - I think it depends on the equipment they have if it is new then you don't need a full bladder.

(also have a retroverted uterus)

I had to go with full bladder for my scan at 12wks. Why dont u go with full then u can empty ur bladder before had if they tell u u dont need to be full

i had to have full bladder for all early scans

they only advise empty for VERY early internal ones ime

hth

My hospital sent a note with my scan date saying that I didn't need to have a full bladder. I drank my normal amount that I would in a morning and everything was fine.