You’re probably wondering how much water to drink before an ultrasound. The answer may surprise you! Most people don’t realize that they need to drink plenty of fluids before their appointment to get the clearest possible images.
In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of hydration and how it can affect your ultrasound results.
It’s the Most Exciting Day of Your Pregnancy Thus Far — the Ultrasound!
You will finally get to see your baby for the first time and find out its gender. But before you can enjoy this special moment, there is one important thing you need to do… drink lots of water!
So Why Is it So Important to Drink Water Before an Ultrasound?
Dehydration can cause your urine to be concentrated, which can lead to inaccurate results.
In addition, dehydration can also cause the liver to produce less bile, which can make it more difficult to see the gallbladder on an ultrasound.
So How Much Water Should You Drink Before Your Ultrasound?
The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine recommends that you drink at least 32 ounces of fluids two hours before your appointment. This will help ensure that your urine is dilute and will allow for accurate results.
Of course, drinking that much water all at once can be daunting (and may leave you feeling a bit bloated). So we suggest spreading out your intake throughout the day leading up to your appointment. For example, you could drink 16 ounces of water first thing in the morning, and then have another 16 ounces before lunch.
Also, Remember to Avoid Emptying Your Bladder
In addition to drinking plenty of fluids, you should also avoid emptying your bladder before your ultrasound. This is because a full bladder helps push the uterus up, making it easier to see on the scan.
What if I Have to Go?
If you do need to empty your bladder before the ultrasound (for example, if your appointment is first thing in the morning and you can’t hold it), make sure to drink an additional 16 ounces of fluids so that your bladder will be full again.
We hope this blog post has helped clear up any confusion about how much water to drink before an ultrasound. Just remember, 32 ounces two hours before your appointment, and you should be good to go!
If you have any other questions about preparing for your ultrasound, please don’t hesitate to Contact us. We would be more than happy to help with your 3D ultrasound in Atlanta.
