What Do I Need to Do for My First Ultrasound?

When many people think of ultrasound exams, they think of the imaging test used to monitor fetal development during pregnancy. That’s definitely one role of ultrasound. However, at Feminine Urgicare, we use on-site ultrasound imaging in other ways.

If you’ve never had an ultrasound (or only had one during pregnancy), you might be wondering what to expect. Here, learn what happens during ultrasound imaging exams and how to prepare.

How to prepare for your ultrasound

Ultrasound uses special sound waves to create images of your uterus and other structures inside your body. Unlike X-rays, these exams don’t use radiation.

For all types of ultrasound, wear clothing that’s easy to take off and put on. That’s because most ultrasounds require you to put on a gown for your exam, and having clothing that’s easy to remove is more convenient.

Breast ultrasounds and transabdominal ultrasounds use a handheld device that’s moved across your skin, so avoid moisturizers, powder, or lotions that could interfere with the ultrasound device. 

Ultrasound exams don’t require sedation, so you won’t have to worry about having someone drive you to and from your visit. 

Fetal and pelvic transabdominal ultrasounds

For transabdominal ultrasounds, you’ll need to have a full bladder to make it easier to visualize your uterus (or other structures, depending on why you’re having the scan). Our team will tell you how much water to drink before your ultrasound, but plan on about 32 ounces (four cups) about an hour or so before your scan. 

Keeping your bladder full can be uncomfortable, especially during the later weeks of pregnancy when your uterus is large. Once we take the initial images, you can use the bathroom.

Transvaginal ultrasound

While a transabdominal ultrasound uses a device that’s passed over your skin, a transvaginal ultrasound uses a special wand that’s inserted into your vagina. This type of ultrasound provides a closer view of your pelvic organs, including your uterus.

Prior to a transvaginal ultrasound, you’ll need to empty your bladder completely. We may order a transvaginal ultrasound in the early weeks of pregnancy to check the health of your uterus. Most often, this type of ultrasound is performed to look for the cause of unexplained vaginal bleeding or to diagnose or monitor fibroids or cysts.

Breast ultrasound

Breast ultrasounds are often used after an abnormal mammogram result or in women with dense breast tissue. These exams use the same approach as a transabdominal ultrasound, passing a handheld device over your breast skin to evaluate different layers of tissue.

When scheduling your exam, we might suggest avoiding the week before your period since your breast tissue can be denser (and more tender) during these days. Don’t wear any lotions, deodorants, or powders since these products can interfere with our ability to obtain clear images.

On-site imaging for greater convenience

Ultrasound imaging plays an important role in monitoring your own health needs at every stage of life — and monitoring your developing baby’s health, too. 

To learn more about our on-site ultrasound services or to schedule an exam, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at Feminine Urgicare in Paramus and Clifton, New Jersey, today.