During pregnancy, ultrasounds are performed mainly using transabdominal ultrasound (scan through the maternal abdomen).

Ultrasound images are better when the urinary bladder of the patient is full but not too full that it causes you to be very uncomfortable.  So it is better to empty your bladder around an hour before your scan and then fill your bladder partially by drinking 2 to 3 glasses of water and don’t empty your bladder after that till the ultrasound is done. The reason for a full bladder is because, a  full bladder moves bowel out from your pelvis into your abdomen, helping visualization of the pregnancy, uterus, and cervix.

Sometimes a transvaginal ultrasound (internal scan through the vagina) is also needed, especially in the first trimester. Through this, the doctor will be able to take a closer look at your baby, the position of the placenta, or the length of the cervix. Transvaginal ultrasound during all stages of pregnancy is safe and will not harm either the mother or the baby.

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