For an abdominal dating ultrasound, you will need to have a full bladder. You may be asked to drink some water and not go to the toilet beforehand because a full bladder helps to push your womb up to give a better picture. For a vaginal scan, you can have an empty bladder. The scan will take 5 to 10 minutes to perform.

How much water should you drink before a dating scan?

A full bladder allows us to see your uterus and ovaries more clearly. We normally recommend that you have 2 glasses of water a half hour before you arrive for your scan.

Do you need a full bladder for a dating ultrasound?

Most hospitals or ultrasound clinics ask you to arrive with a full bladder. The ultrasound technician will put some warm gel on your tummy and move a small hand-held device (transducer) over your skin to get views of your baby (NHS 2015b, SOGC 21019).

Do I need a full bladder for an early pregnancy scan?

Pregnancy Ultrasound (in early stages) – If the pregnancy is in the early stages, before the 20th to 24th week, then it is necessary to have a full bladder for an ultrasound. This is needed to provide better visualization of the pelvic organs.

Do you need a full bladder for 14 week scan?

Please come with a full bladder which will make it easier to obtain images of your baby. A full bladder pushes the uterus away from your lower pelvis thereby making it easier for us to see and scan your baby. We will take measurements of your baby and check your placenta and ovaries.