What are some good ways to prepare for an ultrasound at 18 and a half weeks?? Is having a full tummy better or empty with just a snack? I'm trying to think of the best way to have the BEST shot at an active baby! :) Any tips are welcome!! Thanks Gals!!! I go on Wednesday for my ultrasound and I'm hoping to find out what the baby is then!!!

you're gonna need a full bladder. they should have told you that. IF for some reason, you don't for them, it's easier to pee it out real quick that sit and drink and drink and drink while you're there, ya know. Esp. with the other 4 waiting or what have ya.
Plus the full bladder helps them find certain "landmarks"
~Kana

Hhhmm... well they didn't give me special instructions, and I *did* read online that if you are past 18 weeks that you don't have to drink the 32 oz of water... but I *WILL* call tomorrow to make sure! I don't have to guzzle water, I would rather not, no telling how long they will keep me waiting. Oy. But thanks for the heads up!!!

It's my understanding that you only need to drink the water if they are doing a "full study" ultrasound, i.e. checking your cervix and all other anatomy. As the previous poster said it does help them find certain landmarks and such. If it's just a baby check and a glance for gender kind of thing I don't think you need to have all the water. Don't quote me on this though.

I hear orange juice makes for an active baby. Mine never had a problem showing his goods lol. I hope you get a good peek and don't have to drink all that water. It kinda made mine hard to sit through. I had to go potty so bad I was miserable the entire time. It was still fun to see him on the screen though! Hope yours goes well :) can't wait to hear the results.

I drank water before mine (I was 23 weeks) and they made me go to the bathroom because my bladder was so full they couldn't see anything!!! I would bring some hard candy with you. The sugar rush will usually make the baby move if he isn't cooperating. Can't wait to hear!!!

I had to have a full bladder with abby, but I didn't have a full exam?
With this one I had a U/S at 10 weeks, no full bladder and the image was very clear.

But I would go with a full bladder just in case. Not pee your pants full but full enough!

Praying for a boy for you.

I've always had to have a full bladder regardless of reason or stage. hmmm, maybe it depends on the tech doing it? I dunno.

Yeah, I'll definitely be calling to make sure... I had that happen before where I drank a ton of water when I didn't have to, and about burst halfway through... I HAD to ask if I could go empty my bladder because I was about to SERIOUSLY wet my pants... ugh... the joys of motherhood. HA!

I had quite a few this last preg. Dh and I also opted for a 3-D version to peek at her face. That tech explained that drinking water in the days leading up to the U/S is actually more important than the full bladder during the exam once you're past 16 wks or so. She said being well hydrated leads to clear amniotic fluid and better images?!? Don't know exactly how true that is or not, but I did go back for several follow-ups to get some pictures of the baby done and noticed the images were a bit sharper. She also encouraged us to drink a Coke or orange juice about 20 mins. before the exam.

Let us know how things go! Can't wait to hear!

glass of OJ 30 minutes prior for sugar boost, then empty bladder just before scan!

When I had the 4D ultrasound of Gracie, the tech gave me a fruit juice to drink, so I agree with pp's, juice and sugar should help promote a wiggly one for ya!

Grace responded to spinach and strawberries, a guranteed wiggle worm after I ate those..so if there are any "favorite" foods of the baby, eat em up before ya go.

Can't wait to see what you're having!

Hope you can see what you're having! We weren't able to at our 20 week US. Our baby's legs were squeezed shut! Let us know!!