How To Prepare For A Transabdominal Ultrasound

If you are a woman who has been having difficulties with your bladder, ovaries, cervix, fallopian tubes, or uterus, then your physician may want you to schedule a transabdominal ultrasound that involves placing a small device called a transducer over your abdomen. The transducer is moved around, and a technician will take measurements and pictures of your organs. The ultrasound is usually pretty easy and it probably will not take very long. However, if you have never gone through the ultrasound procedure, then you may want to know about a few things you should do to prepare for one.

Filling the Bladder

Your doctor will usually give you instructions on the various things you need to do before your ultrasound appointment. Often times, this includes drinking water beforehand so that the bladder is full when the transducer is moved around your abdomen.

A full bladder helps to push on the intestinal tract to move your bowels into your abdomen area so that a clearer picture can be formed of the organs in the pelvic region. This means it is extremely important to make sure your bladder is full or test results may not be as accurate as they should be. Also, some technicians may make you drink water in the waiting room to fill your bladder if they see that it is not full enough and this can extend the length of your appointment.

Reducing Urination Urges

Unfortunately, it can be difficult for women to drink two or more large glasses of water before an ultrasound appointment without needing to empty the bladder. To prepare for this, empty your bladder about one hour before the appointment and then drink the glasses of water afterwards. This should help to limit intense urination urges, since the water will likely reach your bladder pretty close to your ultrasound appointment.

You can also keep urination urges at bay by skipping the consumption of caffeine for the day. Caffeine acts like a diuretic and makes you feel as though you need to urinate more often, so make sure to stay away from coffee and soda beverages. Alcohol, artificial sweeteners, citrus fruits, and drinks with carbonation can also make you urinate more often, so avoid them too. Even if you do stay away from these things, you may want to wear an extra absorbent sanitary napkin during your ultrasound appointment. This can help to reduce an embarrassing incident if abdominal pressure forces a small stream of urine out of your bladder.

Staying Away From Gassy Foods

Another good way to prepare for your ultrasound is to stay away from foods for several days beforehand that may produce gas. This is wise, because the gas may get trapped in the intestines and force the bowels to remain in the pelvic region. The gas can force pressure against the bladder too, and make it difficult to keep it full for an extended period of time. Also, the pressure on the abdomen may cause pain and discomfort as the transducer is pushed against the gas filled intestinal tract. Pressure may cause gas to release, and this may be embarrassing during the appointment.

To reduce gas problems, stay away from brussel sprouts, broccoli, beans, cabbage, carbonated drinks, cauliflower, onions, and dairy foods. Some artificial sweeteners can cause gas too, and so can activities like chewing gum and smoking. If you do end up feeling gassy or bloated, then consider purchasing a digestive enzyme supplement that will help to reduce and limit gas. Activated charcoal can offer assistance as well, and so can water.

If your doctor has recommended an ultrasound, then contact a clinic like EVDI Medical Imaging.


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