An ultrasound is an exciting event during your pregnancy. From discovering gender to ensuring proper growth and development, an ultrasound is a highly anticipated milestone for discovering more about your soon to be born baby. This page provides information on how to prepare for an ultrasound.

Ultrasound diagnostic exams can be performed at any stage of your pregnancy. From assessing an accurate conception date during the early weeks of your pregnancy to checking fluid levels towards the end of your pregnancy, an ultrasound should be taken as a serious medical exam. While you may be anticipating an ultrasound to determine the gender of your child, your doctor will view the exam as a critical test to prevent and prepare for unexpected pregnancy complications. Take the time before your ultrasound to prepare physically and mentally so your test will be a stress free and positive experience.

Find out whether you need a full bladder or an empty bladder for your ultrasound exam. Liquid may be needed in your bladder, especially early in your pregnancy, to enhance the image. Requirements vary due to how far along you are in your pregnancy and the type of ultrasound equipment your doctor uses.

If you need a full bladder, drink 4 to 6 glasses of water 1 to 2 hours before your exam. http://www.medicinenet.com/ultrasound/page3.htm<ref/> Pregnancy makes holding liquid a difficult task, so you want to limit the amount of discomfort by timing your liquid intake as close to the start of your ultrasound exam as possible. Bring a bottle of water or juice to your exam to finish filling up your bladder. When you sign in for your exam, ask the receptionist if the exam will be on time. Gage your liquid intake based on the response.

If you do not need a full bladder, try to take a bathroom break as close to when you will have your exam as possible. Ultrasounds can take some time to perform and you want to be able to enjoy every minute of watching your little one. It is better to focus on deciphering body parts and not be distracted by a bathroom urge.

Ask your doctor whether you can drink orange juice or a beverage with caffeine 30 minutes prior to your exam. Some extra sugar or caffeine stimulation may make your baby more active during the exam. When your baby puts on a better “show”, you are more likely to find out the sex of the baby.

Decide if you want to know the sex of your unborn baby prior to your exam. If you have someone attending the ultrasound with you, make sure they are aware of your decision. Tell the ultrasound technician whether you want to know the gender before the exam begins. If you do not want to know the gender, the ultrasound technician will try to limit views of the genital region and may ask you to turn your head for certain parts of the exam. If you want to know the gender, the technician will usually make their best effort to find out the gender, but understand that if your baby is being overly modest, it may be difficult to make an accurate gender assessment.

Wear loose clothing that makes it easy to access your belly. Generally, pants or a skirt with an elastic waist or stretchable band is best. You will be asked to slide your pants to your hips, below your belly, so make sure your clothing makes it easy to accommodate this request. For trans-vaginal ultrasounds, you will be required to take off clothing on the bottom half of your body.

Stay calm and relaxed before your exam and avoid excessive worry. During the exam, the technician will make many routine calculations and may focus extensively on certain parts of your baby’s body. This does not mean there is any problem because there are many routine calculations taken during the exam. Staying relaxed before and during the exam makes it easier for the technician to perform all the diagnostic tests your doctor has requested.