You will be asked to drink about two pints of water before the scan to fill up your bladder; this pushes up the uterus to give a clearer picture. Youll then have gel rubbed onto your belly and a hand-held scanner passed smoothly backwards and forwards over your skin.

Do I need a full bladder for 12 week scan?

Most scans are carried out by sonographers. You may need to have a full bladder for this scan, as this makes the ultrasound image clearer. You can ask your midwife or doctor before the scan if this is the case. The dating scan usually takes about 20 minutes.

When do you start drinking water before an ultrasound?

Before Your Exam Drink 32 ounces (four glasses) of water one hour before your examination time. You can go to the bathroom to relieve yourself, as long as you keep drinking water. If you are also having an ultrasound abdomen, please do not eat or drink for 8 hours before your exam. Water and medications are okay.

Is miscarriage painful at 12 weeks?

Some miscarriages may hurt, but some may not. If you have a fetus that is close to 12 weeks gestation, it can be a more painful and intense process because there is more tissue that has to be passed.