Going to a clinic or the hospital for any medical procedure is a stressful time. No matter how big or small the exam is, nerves may jump around in your stomach. You don’t go to the doctor because everything is okay, you’re there for a reason. Put some of the fear to rest if you will go for an ultrasound. It’s a non-invasive, painless, and fast procedure. Ultrasound exams are just a diagnostic tool that doctors use to find out what’s going on inside the body. Here’s what to expect from your first ultrasound.

There’s no Preparation

For the majority of ultrasound exams, no advanced preparation is needed. Most exams involve lying on a table and the technician rolling a transducer probe on the part of the body in question. In the rare cases preparation is needed, the doctor or nurse will tell you what to do. Pregnant mothers getting a prenatal ultrasound, for example, need to drink fluids ahead of time.

The Procedure is Non-Invasive

An ultrasound exam is a non-invasive procedure. That means there’s no cutting, pricking, or inserting of anything into your body. The sonographer will use a transponder probe and slide it on the area of the body that the doctor needs more information about. The probe sends information back to the ultrasound machine, and it creates an image on the screen for everyone to view and study.

Wear Two-Piece Clothing

Wear clothing that makes it easy to expose the area the ultrasound technician will examine. If you will go in for an abdominal ultrasound, or one that examines the chest or hips, don’t wear a dress. Wear a shirt and pants/shorts so that you can simply lift your shirt and expose your stomach.

Don’t be Afraid to ask Questions

If there’s anything on your mind heading into the exam, that’s the time to ask. Don’t be afraid to ask about anything and everything you want before, during, and after the exam. The ultrasound technician will answer any and all questions you have. Prepare some questions in advance if you have a lot of concerns.