12 week ultra sound booked... question?

[puppies]

Hi girls,
I just booked my 12 week Ultra sound for July 2nd. They are sending out an information pack which I am sure will answer this question. But I wanted to get your advice too. They said I have to drink 500ml of water 1 hour before scan. Is this the only way they can do this scan? Can they not get the same result from a vaginal scan? I am terrible at holding onto my pee. Last time I had to do this I nearly passed out. Then they said empty your bladder and they finished the scan internally, which was much more comfortable. Any way I know I should toughen up. Its just that I am only little and only have a small bladder. I guess I have plenty of time to practice and start trying to get used to it. I might start tomorrow, cause I know I just wont handle it. How long does the scan take anyway? I guess when your holding on 5 minutes can feel like 5 hours!
ANYONE ELSE IN THIS SAME SITUATION?

[~StarBright~]

Hi puppies!!

You are not alone there matie- i have always said its a stupid idea to make a pregnant women hold her bladder!!!

However i think it is important to have a bit of fluid there.. if you know your body and you are like me, liquid goes through you pretty quick, then you can do what i do and dont drink it too early (they ask you to drink it and not pee for like half and hour to an hour)- i drink a glass of water about 10 minutes before the scan and i have never had a problem.

The further on with scans you go, the less you have to drink, but for the 12 weeks one they better they can see the better they can get your measurment- so it is kind of neccessary to drink the water. If you are having a nuclear translucency test (where they measure the fold of skin behind bubs neck to check for downs) then i think its hard to get that internally- not 100% sure- just a thought.

Good luck with it!!

[StrawberryMumma]

Hey Puppies

It's horrible isn't it! With my first pregnancy, I did exactly what they told me to do (I think they said to drink a litre! and hold it)..well by the time I had the scan I was almost in tears! (Not quite!) but it was bad, and my bladder was too full apparently so I had to go empty some out so they could continue the scan.

Anyway, I have learnt now that because I'm small and it doesn't take much for me to have a fairly full bladder, I just have a couple of cups of water (not even big cups) before the scan and that seems to work fine.. without bringing tears to my eyes! So maybe you are the same, maybe don't drink as much as they say. The u/s people also usually tell people (at the place I go) not to be uncomfortable just feeling a bit full.

IMO I think vag u/s are much worse.

[puppies]

Thanks girls. I will do as you advice as I have also had a US where my bladder was too full and I had to empty a bit. Thats the hardest thing I ever have had to do. I will do as you suggest and just drink a couple of glasses about 10-15 before my appointment. I am sure that it will be fine cause my bladder fills up surprisingly fast. I am still going to practice though. Thanks

[SamiH]

Congrats!!

I too, am a cheater With mine I empty about 30 minutes from appointment and drink about 500mls - and seem to do fine. Last time I wasn't sure and told them I was so nervous I had to go so I hope my bladder was full enough and she said it was fine

[didispunk]

Dont drink the water if you dont want too.. just tell them you did and they will do an internal..

up too you!

If you dont like the pee sensation.. then its ok.!

[puppies]

Ok I am going to try the advice of peeing 30 minutes before and then drinking till I am full just before appointment. I am practicing now actually. Will do every day that I can until appointment. I need to conquer this fear anyway. I have always had the fear that when I need to pee I cant for what ever reason like traffic, on the train or no toilets around. It came from a young age when my dad wouldn't stop the car for me to pee. Now the fear and anxiety of it makes it worse. I can usually hold on ok if I know that there is a toilet right near me if I need it. So I might even go to the appointment early and just drink the fluids while I am there. Its such a silly thing to be fearful of I know, but its very real to me. Thanks for being kind enough to give your advice, I feel better knowing I can cheat a bit.