EARLY PREGNANCY This includes DATING ultrasound, CONFIRMATION of pregnancy, single or twins, heart beat, and early complications such as PV bleeding, sub-chorionic fluid and follow-ups.
PREP.1: FULL BLADDER:
For this test, you need to have a full bladder. Empty your bladder only once 2 hours before the test (this is so that you do not have an uncomfortably overfull bladder at appointment time). Do not empty the bladder again. Then drink 1 litre of water (5 average cups) and finish it 1 hour before the test. Also drink another half litre (2 cups) half an hour before the test if you can. Do not empty your bladder until after the ultrasound test.
We use the water in the bladder as a window to transmit the sound waves. Also, the full bladder pushes the air-filled bowel up out of the way, which would otherwise cause shadows and obscure our vision of the uterus and ovaries. Occasionally, the uterus reaches close to the front abdominal wall, and less water is required.