The Ultrasound Story

The day we went to get our first ultrasound started like any other day. We both headed to work, but knew that at 12:45 that day we'd get to see our baby for the first time. But let me back up in time, to 11:00, since this is the real driver for the ultrasound story. Contrary to my original understanding, you actually have to prepare for an ultrasound examination. The instructions are as follows: eat only one piece of dry toast the morning of the ultrasound and drink only clear liquids until 90 minutes prior to the exam. At 90 minutes prior to the examination you must empty your bladder and drink 1 litre of water - or so the instructions said. Knowing that I didn't want to mess anything up for the exam, I drank my two 500 mL bottles of water at 11 on the dot. Everything seemed fine, until 12:00 rolled around and I had to pee. Only those who have been pregnant or are pregnant can truly understand this next statement, but when you have to pee, YOU HAVE TO GO! I tried to think of other things, such as getting to see our baby, but the fact that my bladder was full to the max kept creeping into my head. So I thought to myself, I'll just go to the bathroom a little, then drink some more water on the way to the clinic. So I do and had instant relief. Clayton picked me up from work and we were on our way to the clinic.

The clinic was about 20-25 minutes from the office, so I was determined to make up for the water I just lost. Ha. About 10 minutes into the drive and some more water consumed, I had to go again! I tried to get Clayton to help me think of other things this time, but nope, had to go. So we pulled over to the nearest place that had a washroom (a McDonald's - I was that desperate) and I went to the bathroom again.

We FINALLY got to the clinic, parked and I went to check in. The lady at the counter asked how I was feeling - I answered honestly, I still was pretty uncomfortable. She said I could let out half a cup, but that was it. Being at the point of major uncomfort, I went again - half a cup and preceded to the waiting room to be called into the exam room.

I was called into the exam room right at 12:45 and was asked by the ultrasound technician how I was feeling. Again, I said I wasn't feeling very comfortable. She said she'd check my bladder and see if I could let any more out. Guess what?! She checked and said I could let our another THREE CUPS!!! Can you imagine? I was seriously contemplating why I even had to drink any water. But in the end, we could both see baby, arms, legs, little arms, button nose, heart beating - it was amazing. And worth the pain and possible embarrassment on the way to the clinic :)