Obstetric Ultrasounds

During a first trimester ultrasound, you will need to expose the belly area. Towels will be tucked into your shirt and pants to protect your clothes from the ultrasound gel. You will be asked to move into different positions, such as laying on your back or side, sitting, standing, etc. An endovaginal ultrasound may be suggested to obtain additional diagnostic information. An endovaginal ultrasound is a special transducer that is inserted into the vagina. This allows the technologist to take more detailed images of the pelvic organs. The endovaginal portion will only be done if you provide consent.

You will be allowed to bring 1 adult in the room during the ultrasound. Any other family members/friends will be allowed into the room at the end of the ultrasound for a few minutes to see baby.

This ultrasound will last approximately 20-30 minutes.

You must have a full bladder for a first trimester ultrasound. You should empty your bladder approximately 90 minutes prior to the appointment time, then drink approximately 1L of water and have the water finished by 60 minutes prior to the appointment time.

We understand that this can be difficult in the first trimester. We ask that you try your best to have a full bladder, but will not reschedule if the bladder is not completely full.

Wear comfy clothes to your appointment.

Please arrive 10 minutes early with your Alberta Healthcare card (or other provincial healthcare card) and your requisition if you were given a copy.

During a nuchal translucency ultrasound, you will need to expose the belly area. Towels will be tucked into your shirt and pants to protect your clothes from the ultrasound gel. You will be asked to move into different positions, such as laying on your back or side, sitting, standing, etc. An endovaginal ultrasound may be suggested to obtain additional diagnostic information. An endovaginal ultrasound is a special transducer that is inserted into the vagina. This allows the technologist to take more detailed images of the pelvic organs. The endovaginal portion will only be done if you provide consent.

You will be allowed to bring 1 adult in the room during the ultrasound. Any other family members/friends will be allowed into the room at the end of the ultrasound for a few minutes to see baby.

This ultrasound will last approximately 20-30 minutes.

You must have a full bladder for a nuchal translucency ultrasound. You should empty your bladder approximately 90 minutes prior to the appointment time, then drink approximately 1L of water and have the water finished by 60 minutes prior to the appointment time.

We understand that this can be difficult in the first trimester. We ask that you try your best to have a full bladder, but will not reschedule if the bladder is not completely full.

Wear comfy clothes to your appointment.

Please arrive 10 minutes early with your Alberta Healthcare card (or other provincial healthcare card) and your requisition if you were given a copy.

During a second trimester ultrasound, you will need to expose the belly area. Towels will be tucked into your shirt and pants to protect your clothes from the ultrasound gel. You will be asked to move into different positions, such as laying on your back or side, sitting, standing, etc. An endovaginal ultrasound may be suggested to obtain additional diagnostic information. An endovaginal ultrasound is a special transducer that is inserted into the vagina. This allows the technologist to take more detailed images of the pelvic organs. The endovaginal portion will only be done if you provide consent.

You will be allowed to bring 1 adult in the room during the ultrasound. Any other family members/friends will be allowed into the room at the end of the ultrasound for a few minutes to see baby.

This ultrasound will last approximately 40-60 minutes

Follow-up ultrasounds, if required, will last approximately 20-40 minutes.

You must have a full bladder for a second trimester ultrasound. You should empty your bladder approximately 90 minutes prior to the appointment time, then drink approximately 750mL of water and have the water finished by 60 minutes prior to the appointment time.

Wear comfy clothes to your appointment.

Please arrive 10 minutes early with your Alberta Healthcare card (or other provincial healthcare card) and your requisition if you were given a copy.

During a third trimester ultrasound, you will need to expose the belly area. Towels will be tucked into your shirt and pants to protect your clothes from the ultrasound gel. You will be asked to move into different positions, such as laying on your back or side, sitting, standing, etc. An endovaginal ultrasound may be suggested to obtain additional diagnostic information. An endovaginal ultrasound is a special transducer that is inserted into the vagina. This allows the technologist to take more detailed images of the pelvic organs. The endovaginal portion will only be done if you provide consent.

You will be allowed to bring 1 adult in the room during the ultrasound. Any other family members/friends will be allowed into the room at the end of the ultrasound for a few minutes to see baby.

This ultrasound will last approximately 30-40 minutes.

28-34 weeks: You must have a full bladder for a 28-34 week ultrasound. You should empty your bladder approximately 90 minutes prior to the appointment time, then drink approximately 500mL of water and have the water finished by 60 minutes prior to the appointment time.

35+ weeks: No preparation is required.

Wear comfy clothes to your appointment.

Please arrive 10 minutes early with your Alberta Healthcare card (or other provincial healthcare card) and your requisition if you were given a copy.