Forgot to ask doc! When you go in to check baby's heartbeat at a routine appointment do you have to have a full bladder?? They didnt tell me what to do. Thanks!

[debgunn23]

When you go in for a routine check up or first prenatal visit. Do you have to have a full bladder to hear the baby's heartbeat?? They didnt tell me anything and i go tomarrow morning at 10am i forgot to ask! I will be 14 weeks friday. :)

[debgunn23]

thanks! I didnt need one to hear the heartbeat :)

[ashiepooh]

You only need a full bladder for vaginal ultrasounds, or to check your cervix later on, thats if you have a history of preterm labor though.  That way the baby is raised off your cervix a tad

[lilpixie]

Even at my EARLY us at 7 weeks tey didnt have me have a full bladder.  Its the oppsite they always ask me if I need to use the rest room before my appt.s

[Zet1]

I was told the other day - for my 28 weeks scan that they only need a full bladder if they are looking at the placenta - if they are worried about placenta problems.  Im going for routine growth scans and they said not to worry about the full bladder.  Hope this help.

On the other hand for my first scan at 13 weeks i had to have a full bladder i think just because they were looking at everything for the first time - placenta, umbilical cord and all the structures of the baby.  Maybe to be save have a glass of water 30min before your scan - that was the instructions they gave me

[pmperez]

Ive always been asked if I need to empty my bladder before they do anything

[sweetangel7]

I asked at my last appointment and they said they wont need me to have a full bladder towards the end of my pregnancy.  I am 14 weeks, I asked this at my 12w appointment.

[onlyme27]

You do not have to have a full bladder to hear the baby's heartbeat.  Sometimes in early pregnancy they tell you to have a full bladder if you are having an ultrasound.