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Tips For Preparing For Your Prenatal Ultrasound

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Pregnancy is one of the most joyous and exciting times of your life. With all the excitement, pregnancy also brings along a number of new experiences, including an ultrasound. Many expectant mothers have an idea of what an ultrasound is, but not necessarily how to prepare for one. Taking a few moments to educate yourself will make your experience less stressful and more rewarding.

Wear Loose-Fitting Pants

Depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy, you know that holding your bladder for long periods of time is a challenge--if not impossible! Unfortunately, in order for ultrasound technology to offer the best results, your bladder needs to be full. Avoid wearing tight-fitting pants on your ultrasound day, as this tightness could put excess pressure on your bladder.

Loose pants will also be better when you have to use the restroom. Typically, about halfway through the ultrasound you have the opportunity to empty your bladder. If you're trying to make a mad dash, the last thing you have time to do is struggle with a tight pair of pants. On your ultrasound day keep it loose and easy for the best results. In reality, you should actually be dressing this way every day of your pregnancy.

Don't Drink your Water at the Last Minute

When you make your appointment, a place like Hudson Valley Imaging will provide you with instructions on the amount of water you need to drink before the procedure. For example, you might be instructed to drink a few bottles of water within one hour of your appointment. Some expectant mothers assume that they are doing themselves a favor by waiting until the very last minute to drink all the water, gulping it down.

There's an assumption that drinking the water at the last minute will prevent bladder discomfort. However, you might not feel it right away, but eventually you will pay for drinking a lot of water in a short amount of time in the form of abdominal discomfort and cramping. Make certain you are drinking the water slowly. For example, if you have to drink 36 ounces for your appointment, drink one twelve-ounce bottle of water every two minutes leading up to your appointment.

Lastly, it's important for you to drink water and stay hydrated because you may not be able to eat for a few hours before your examination.

The more prepared you are for your ultrasound appointment the more you will be able to focus on watching your beautiful baby on screen.


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