My ultrasound at 18 weeks?

Question

I'm going tomorrow to find out the sex of my first baby tomorrow. I'm 18 weeks along and I cant wait! The nurse told me to drink 32oz of water 1 hour before my appt. Why is this? What does the water do?

Answer 1

it is easier to see the child if your bladder is full. The 18 scan is so cool

Answer 2

The full bladder serves as a window to see your pelvic organs (i.e. uterus, ovaries or prostate). Without a full bladder it is difficult to see them. Even if you were getting an ultrasound for another medical reason, you would be required to drink the water. There is another type of ultrasound that does not require this though. I was never lucky enough to receive that one myself!

I am not a doctor, the following suggestion is simply from one mother to another... I don't recommend drinking the full 32oz. I did exactly as suggested with my first pregnancy and was nearly in tears when they did the ultrasound. I have three boys and with the second two, I just "downed" one bottle of water an hour before. I was comfortable enough to enjoy the ultrasounds and my bladder was full enough to not be an issue.

Hope the baby cooperates and let's you in for a peek! ;o}

Congrats on your pregancy! ! !

Answer 3

you need to drink water because that is how an ultra sound works the sound waves bounce of the fluid around the sac making it possible to see inside the 18 week scan is the best and very important it checks the baby's internal organs and heart chambers you must drink the water and not go to the toilet it is hard but worth it good luck on finding out the sex hope baby is in a good position alot of babies keep there legs crossed and u cant see lol.. but as long as you have a healthy baby im sure u will be happy congratulations..

Answer 4

the water fills the bladder and can make it easier to see the baby. I was only told to drink water with my 1st baby because they were doing the scan at 10 weeks. My other kids with the 20 week scan my doc said there was no need to drink that much before hand. They can still do the scan even if you don't drink 32 oz but it's best to take there advice many ultersound machines are diffrent maybe there's works best with a full bladder

Answer 5

The first pics they take, it shows better with a full bladder, Just ask for a potty break at the soonest time possible if you need it.
And, If you want to be sure your chances of finding out baby's sex are better, instead, drink at least 8 oz of orange juice within 20 mins of the appt. The little jolt of sugar will help wake baby up and get him moving. Good luck!!!

Answer 6

Having a full bladder helps the ultrasound technician to see the cervix. They try to check that out before doing the rest of the test. Having a full bladder also makes seeing the baby a bit easier.

Answer 7

The water fills your bladder pushing your cervix more towards the front so that the tech can see to make sure it looks ok. After they check your cervix on the ultrasound most techs will let you go to the bathroom before you do the rest of the exam.

Enjoy, it was the most fun appointment I have ever had. Although having to not pee was pretty difficult :D

Answer 8

A full bladder is necessary to get a good picture. Therefore, you may be asked to drink 2 to 3 glasses of liquid an hour before the test. You should not urinate before the procedure.

Answer 9

who that is so exciting, we cant find out ours till the 28th. The Dr. asked that you drink plenty of water so they can get a better look at the ultrasound. a full bladder will make it easier.. good luck..

Answer 10

water will fillup your bladder and your baldder will be a window for your utures this will help them get the best picture of your baby and you dont have to drink that much water just enough that you bladder is full because they will not let you go pee untill ther done. so good luck and congrats.