Most ultrasound exams require no preparation, with a few exceptions: For some ultrasound exams, such as of the gallbladder, your doctor may ask that you not eat or drink for up to 6 hours before the exam. Other ultrasound exams, such as of the pelvis, may require a full bladder, so your doctor might ask you to drink up to six glasses of water two hours before the exam and not urinate until the exam is completed.
1. Understand the importance of the ultrasound exam. The ultrasound exam is used to evaluate the fetus' growth and development, and to determine how the pregnancy is progressing. Two ultrasound exams are performed over the course of your pregnancy-one in the first trimester and one in the second. 1  The first trimester ultrasound is used by health care providers to confirm and date the pregnancy, so you will get a fairly accurate idea of your due date. How to prepare for your abdominal ultrasound. An abdominal ultrasound may be ordered to evaluate the aorta, pancreas, liver, bile ducts, gallbladder, kidneys, or spleen. The technologist will take multiple pictures of each organ. The exam takes about 30-45 minutes. Most ultrasound exams require no preparation, with a few exceptions: 1  For some ultrasound exams, such as of the gallbladder, your doctor may ask that you not eat or drink for up to 6 hours before the exam. How to Prepare for an Ultrasound. The steps you will take to prepare for an ultrasound will depend on the area or organ that is being examined. Your doctor may tell you to fast for eight to 12 hours before your ultrasound, especially if your abdomen 1 If you are just interested in checking the gender, you can go as early as 17 weeks. 2  Any earlier, and the results may not be accurate, leading to an extra coat of paint for your bedroom. 3  To get good pictures, 3D ultrasounds are best performed between 20 and 32 weeks, and the best pictures are between 24 and 30 weeks. 1 Other ultrasound exams, such as of the pelvis, may require a full bladder, so your doctor might ask you to drink up to six glasses of water two hours before the exam and not urinate until the exam is completed. 1 To get good pictures, 3D ultrasounds are best performed between 20 and 32 weeks, and the best pictures are between 24 and 30 weeks. 2  If you would like to get a closeup shot of the face, then 28 to 32 weeks is the best time.
http://www.wikihow.com/Get-an-Ultrasound-for-Pregnancy http://www.siraonline.com/ultrasound.html http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ultrasound/basics/how-you-prepare/PRC-20020341 http://www.healthline.com/health/ultrasound http://www.wikihow.com/Get-the-Best-Pictures-on-a-3D-Ultrasound http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ultrasound/basics/how-you-prepare/PRC-20020341 http://www.wikihow.com/Get-the-Best-Pictures-on-a-3D-Ultrasound
how to prepare to get an ultrasound