Internal scan

I’ve booked a private scan to find out the gender of baby for tomorrow. I’m 18+4 weeks and I’ve just read the confirmation email and it says come with an empty bladder, this makes me think the scan will be an internal one which I don’t really fancy if not required. I know they recommend internal scans if you’re before 12 weeks but thought an external one would be fine for the stage I’m at. Wondering if anyone else has had similar experience? Or if I’m just overthinking it

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No it will be external at that gestation

It's just that baby is big enough to not need a full bladder to see clearly. It won't be an internal scan

You just don’t need a full bladder at that stage of pregnancy 😊

I had a few private ultrasounds and they made me have an empty bladder too! They were all external. It’s just so there is more room to see the baby- during mine the lady even said “go pee” I said I did before I came in- I can wait. She said “no I can see your bladder is full- go pee”😂

Baby is at a stage they can see more clearly and bigger so u don’t have to down pints of water like in the earlier gestation to see baby clearly x

absolutely won’t be an internal scan at that stage

Thanks guys. That’s so reassuring to know. Just me overthinking as usual 😂❤️

Empty bladder is normal for all external ultrasounds. I went through IVF and the ONLY time I’ve ever been asked to have a full bladder is when they did the transfer (and I’m telling you dozens and dozens of dozens of internal and external ultrasounds!!) during my pregnancy, I’ve had internal ultrasounds to check on my placenta previa and for my weeks 5 and 6 ultrasounds. A little note about the internal ultrasounds - they sound scary, but they really aren’t a big deal! I’ve never experienced any pain and the qualified sonographers do a wonderful job with them. If you ever have to get one in the future, just relax and let Wanda do her job ;)

@Emily haha. I had a similar experience. I'm a first time mom and before my first ultrasound they said to drink 4x 8oz an hour before the appointment. I barely made it there. It literally hurt me. It was hard to lay down and as soon as the nurse started she sent me to pee cause she couldn't see anything, my bladder was too full. 🫣🫣 I was like if I start I might not stop. 🤣🤣

Had both internal and external scans at that stage- depends where baby was and if 'hiding' a little ;) professionals who perform both types of scan should be as gentle and helpful as possible, if you don't think that's the case do remind them to be ;)

Don’t worry! It is external but because your baby is big enough now they don’t need your bladder being full to see baby! Good luck

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