How can I prepare for my ultrasound?

Our best advice....water, water, water!  

An ultrasound is sound emitted into the body and an "echo" is bounced back to portray the image you see on the screen.  This is similar to sonar used in ships, submarines and sea life such as dolphins and whales.  In order to help the sound travel, the better hydrated you are, the better your images will be.  This does many things.  It helps the sound travel in and out of your body as well as clear the amniotic fluid your baby is in from debris which can "cloudy" the image quality.  We always recommend 72 hours of EXTRA water.  If you have an anterior placenta (in the front) it helps to come before 30 weeks as we see little ones snuggling into the placenta and can be hard to get a pocket in front for a good image. 

You CAN eat before your ultrasound and we suggest a light snack just before coming in.  A good protein is always helpful.  For some reason, peanut butter and jelly sandwich and/or orange juice tend to do the trick to make sure your little one is awake.  High sugar, caffeine, or energy drinks are not recommended.  

Plan ahead!  If you are taking your glucose test, give yourself a few days to clear the sugar from your body.  It tends to make images cloudier.  

We will do our best to get you amazing pictures, but you can get a head start by drinking more water.