What to Expect During an Ultrasound
If your doctor has ordered an ultrasound, you might be wondering what to expect. Will it hurt? How long will it take? Do you need to prepare?
Here’s a complete guide to help you feel comfortable and prepared for your ultrasound at Health Screen.
What Is an Ultrasound?
Ultrasound, also called sonography, uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of your body. A small device called a transducer sends out sound waves that bounce off your organs and tissues, creating echoes that are converted into images on a screen.
Key facts:
No radiation exposure (completely safe)
Painless
Non-invasive
Real-time imaging
Can be used for all ages
Types of Ultrasound and What to Expect
Abdominal Ultrasound
What it examines:
Liver
Gallbladder
Pancreas
Spleen
Kidneys
Abdominal aorta
Preparation:
Fast for 6-8 hours (no food or drink except water)
This reduces gas and ensures the gallbladder is visible
Take medications as usual with small amount of water
During the procedure:
You’ll lie on your back on an exam table
Warm gel is applied to your abdomen
The sonologist moves the transducer over your skin
You may be asked to hold your breath or change positions
Takes 20-30 minutes
Pelvic Ultrasound (Women)
What it examines:
Uterus
Ovaries
Cervix
Bladder
Preparation:
Drink 4-6 glasses of water 1 hour before
Do not urinate until after the exam
Full bladder lifts the bowel and provides clear window to pelvic organs
During the procedure:
You’ll lie on your back
Warm gel applied to lower abdomen
Transducer moved over pelvic area
May need full bladder for external view
Takes 20-30 minutes
Obstetric (Pregnancy) Ultrasound
What it examines:
Fetus (baby)
Placenta
Amniotic fluid
Uterus
Preparation:
Early pregnancy: full bladder (drink water 1 hour before)
Later pregnancy: usually no special preparation
Wear comfortable, two-piece clothing
During the procedure:
You’ll lie on your back
Gel applied to abdomen
Transducer moved over belly
You can see the baby on screen in real-time
Takes 15-30 minutes
Renal (Kidney) Ultrasound
What it examines:
Kidneys
Ureters
Bladder
Preparation:
Usually no special prep
May require full bladder for bladder views
During the procedure:
You’ll lie on your back, then may be asked to turn on your side
Gel applied to back and sides
Transducer moved over kidney areas
Takes 15-20 minutes
Thyroid Ultrasound
What it examines:
Thyroid gland (in the neck)
Nearby lymph nodes
Preparation:
No special preparation
Wear a shirt with an open neck or button-down top
During the procedure:
You’ll lie on your back with neck extended
Small pillow may be placed under shoulders
Gel applied to neck
Transducer moved gently over thyroid area
Takes 15-20 minutes
Breast Ultrasound
What it examines:
Breast tissue
Lumps or abnormalities
Preparation:
No special preparation
Wear a two-piece outfit
During the procedure:
You’ll lie on your back
Arm raised above head on the side being examined
Gel applied to breast
Transducer moved gently over breast and armpit area
Takes 15-30 minutes
The Ultrasound Procedure: Step by Step
Check-in Arrive at Health Screen with your request form and ID
Preparation Follow specific preparation instructions for your type of ultrasound
Explanation The sonologist explains the procedure and answers questions
Positioning You lie on the exam table in the appropriate position
Gel application Warm, water-based gel is applied to your skin (may feel cool but warms quickly)
Scanning The sonologist moves the transducer over the area, applying gentle pressure
Image capture Key images are captured and saved
Clean-up Gel is wiped off
Results The sonologist may give preliminary findings; final report is prepared and sent to your doctor
Does It Hurt?
No. Ultrasound is generally painless. You may feel:
Slight pressure from the transducer
Discomfort from a full bladder (for pelvic/OB ultrasound)
Need to change positions
If you experience pain, tell the sonologist immediately.
How to Prepare: Quick Guide
| Ultrasound Type | Preparation |
|---|---|
| Abdominal | Fast 6-8 hours |
| Pelvic (women) | Drink 4-6 glasses water 1 hour before; don’t urinate |
| Obstetric (early) | Full bladder |
| Obstetric (later) | No special prep |
| Renal | May need full bladder |
| Thyroid | No special prep; wear open-neck shirt |
| Breast | No special prep; wear two-piece outfit |
| Vascular | No special prep; wear comfortable clothing |
What to Bring
Doctor’s request form
Valid ID
Previous ultrasound results (if any)
List of medications
Insurance card/PhilHealth information (if applicable)
Common Questions
Q: Can I eat before an abdominal ultrasound?
A: No, you need to fast for 6-8 hours for abdominal ultrasound. For other types, eating is usually allowed.
Q: Is ultrasound safe during pregnancy?
A: Yes. Ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation, and is considered safe throughout pregnancy.
Q: How long does it take to get results?
A: The sonologist may give preliminary findings immediately. The official written report is typically available within 24 hours.
Q: Can I take my medications?
A: Yes, take medications as usual with small amount of water, unless your doctor instructed otherwise.
Q: What if I’m claustrophobic?
A: Ultrasound is open you’re not enclosed in a machine. Most patients find it comfortable.
The Takeaway
Ultrasound is a safe, painless, and informative procedure that helps your doctor see inside your body. With proper preparation, your ultrasound at Health Screen will be quick and comfortable.
Our experienced sonologists and modern equipment ensure accurate results you and your doctor can trust.