It’s okay to drink caffeinated products prior to an ultrasound, so you can have coffee, soda, and other caffeinated drinks. It won’t cause dehydration or make it harder for you to fill your bladder. A pelvic ultrasound is different from an abdominal ultrasound, which does require fasting.
This includes your fluid pills or diuretics. If you want to take over-the-counter medication, check with your doctor first.
For instance, you might wear a loose dress or a baggy shirt with stretch pants.
You will definitely need to remove a belly ring if you have one.
For instance, your doctor may ask you not to eat right before your exam. However, this isn’t usually necessary.
If you don’t need to urinate very often, you may have a slow filling bladder, which means you should drink more. It’s best to relieve your bladder before you fill it up so that you don’t have a restroom emergency before you get your ultrasound. When your bladder is full, it pushes your intestines aside so it’s easier to view your abdomen.
It’s okay to start refilling your bladder shortly before your ultrasound. If for some reason your bladder isn’t full when it’s time for your ultrasound, your doctor or the technician will give you some water. [11] X Research source
If you move around during the ultrasound, the results may not be clear.
You might hear a whoosh sound during the ultrasound, depending on what type of machine the tech is using.
The tech or your doctor will explain the images for you if you don’t understand them.
If you feel like there’s still gel on your abdomen, ask for an extra towel so you can wipe your belly again when you go to get dressed. Expect your ultrasound to take about 30 minutes. [16] X Research source
Your doctor may do a transvaginal ultrasound after you empty your bladder to get a better view of your uterus and ovaries. If this is the case, you’ll return to the exam room after you empty your bladder. Otherwise, it’s okay to get dressed.
Your doctor will discuss your results with you either at this appointment or at a follow up appointment. Talk to your doctor to find out if you need to come back.
If you feel like you need to use the restroom at any point during the exam, tell your doctor or the ultrasound technician. If you’re having both a pelvic ultrasound and a transvaginal ultrasound, your doctor may tell you to arrive with a full bladder and wait until after your pelvic ultrasound to empty it.
If you’re having trouble getting your feet positioned correctly, ask a nurse or the technician for help.
The technician may turn the transducer to get a better view of your pelvic area. You may experience some discomfort during the exam, but it shouldn’t be painful.
Your tech may turn the screen away from you. If they do, you’ll still be able to look at the images later. Try not to worry because they may do this so they can get a better look as they maneuver the transducer.
Your ultrasound should take about 15 to 30 minutes. [24] X Research source
Your doctor will talk to you about your results either at the end of your appointment or at a follow up. Ask your doctor when your results will be available.
