What exactly does "full bladder" mean?

vhcoleman09

I'm going in for my big u/s and was told to come in with a full bladder. I've had about 20 oz. of water in the past hour but wondering if "full bladder" means a certain amount or until you feel like you have to pee or something else?

annasi83

I am not a professional, but I think it is a bunch of crap.  Don't feel like you have to drink extra, they might have you pee anyway!  I guess just don't pee before you go!  GL

MTClaire

Just don't pee right before your appointment.  They told me to drink 3 glasses of water an hour before, and not to empty my bladder.  That was plenty full enough.  Good luck!

rhabel

The instructions I got said to have drink 24 ounces prior to the appointment. I'd float away if I tried to do that, so I've just been drinking water all morning, will have it with lunch and may sip off a water bottle before the appointment.  Like PP said, they'll probably have you empty anyway. GL!

katesmom73

I've been through two and I couldn't tell you exactly what a "full bladder" means.  The instructions I was given were extreme, in my opinion so I did what felt right.  They told me not to go to the bathroom for two hours beforehand and drink 20 oz an hour before.  I knew this would be too much for me - I can go to the bathroom every half hour if I drink enough water.  So, I went to the bathroom an hour before my appointment and started taking regular sips of water until I got to the office.  I had no problems.

I have heard of people who's bladder's are too full and have to empty some of it to continue the u/s.

EllePost

I was told to drink 16 oz of water (within 15 minutes) one hour before my apt. 

My bladder was DEFINITELY FULL 

ETA: Gosh, I was bursting with this amt and some people had to drink more?! I would have peed myself for sure!  I cringed when the tech would jab me with the probe to get baby moving. She let me pee after she was done with the measurements she needed me "bursting" for LOL I wouldn't drink more than 16 oz- If you don't pee before you will be fine

ali_bl-nov05

I've had 2 u/s (14 weeks and 24 weeks) and I was never told to have a full bladder.

jess60

I was instructed to drink 16 oz of water an hour before the u/s appt & to not go to the bathroom.

Hth!

vhcoleman09

Thanks ladies! I already feel like I might have trouble holding 20 oz. so I think I'll stop here.

Rachelilly23

They told me to empty my bladder 1 hour beforehand, and then drink 24-32 oz before the ultrasound. It was one of the most painful experiences I've had holding it in

MWoodside

Word of advice, don't overdo it.  I am a HUGE water drinker all the time so I had 32 oz before I left for my appt, then thought I had to drink another 16 on the way (as directions indicated).  I seriously was about to pee on myself by the time I got there.  For real.  I asked the lady right away if I could pee & she looked for 2 sec with the ultrasound & was like "oh my gosh go pee now your bladder is WAY too full".  She said if someone drinks lots of water anyway they don't need to drink the extra at all.

EllePost

vhcoleman09:

Thanks ladies! I already feel like I might have trouble holding 20 oz. so I think I'll stop here.

hehe yes stop now for your comfort's sake!

Good luck!  

beanie00914

I was told that I didnt need a full bladder... Actually I was told to empty it... But if they want it full just dont pee before you go in....cant wait to hear back!!

laumholl

They basically just mean that you need to feel like you gotta go. If your bladder is full, they can see things more clearly. If they have you pee in a cup every time you go, don't do that until after.

doremi29

At my 18 week ultrasound, I only drank one bottle of water and when I got in, the ultrasound tech starting laughing at me because my blatter was soooo full.  The baby was moving like crazy and she got all her necessary measurements and then had me use the bathroom.  When I came back out, she started the 3-d scan and when she looked, the baby had tucked itself right in, covered his face, and must have fallen asleep, so the 3-d pictures didn't come out that great.  Oh well :-)  Atleast we were able to find out the gender!

Qmommy

I'm so glad I didn't have to do that!  In fact, the tech asked me before he got started if I needed to use the restroom!  I did go to the new kaiser hospital / medical center for my exam (only 3 or 4 years old) and they have all the new fancy smancy stuff.  **few**