Patient Instructions - Pregnancy Ultrasound

A pregnancy ultrasound is an exam that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce a picture of your unborn child. No radiation or X-rays are used.

A pregnancy ultrasound is performed to provide important information about the mother and child. Ultrasound is used to establish the age, position, development and number of fetuses. The exam can also detect certain abnormalities.

Before your Ultrasound

• Drink 32 ounces of water 1 hour before the examination if your baby is less than 20 weeks gestation.

• If your baby is 20 weeks gestation or over, drink 24 ounces of water 1 hour before your examination. To obtain the best picture possible, a full bladder is required for the examination.

• You may eat normally.

During your Ultrasound

• A registered sonographer will move a hand-held device called a transducer over your abdomen after it has been coated with gel. The gel is used to help the sound waves travel more easily and thus, produce a clearer image.

• Pictures of the fetus will appear on a video screen and several images and measurements will be recorded.

• A pregnancy ultrasound takes approximately 30-60 minutes to complete.

After your Ultrasound

• You can resume your normal activities.

• After a radiologist reads your pregnancy ultrasound, your physician will receive a report of the findings and discuss the results with you.

Providing safe, quality patient care is our highest priority. To help ensure quality and safety, we ask that you do not bring young children with you to your appointments, as children are not allowed to accompany you during Imaging procedures. Staff is unable to monitor your child in your absence.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your provider.