- Anna Spencer
How to Prepare for an Exam
Updated: Nov 3, 2021

First off, try to relax. Please show up 5-10 minutes early for your appointment, but even a few minutes late will work.
Wear loose-fitting clothing. But, if that's not possible (no t-shirts and shorts in the wintertime please), I'll have some gowns you can wear.
Expect to get some gooey ultrasound gel on the body parts to be examined, which means I'm suggesting no clothing that's hard to clean. I'll have paper towels available for wiping.
If your exam is pregnancy-related and you're less than 10 weeks, I'll ask you to arrive with a full bladder. I'll start with an exam of the abdomen, but for some exams, I may need to place the sensor "down there". That's always YOUR choice. If we do an exam "down there", I'll ask you to go to the bathroom to empty the bladder (whew). Your significant other is always welcome (and encouraged) to join you for pregnancy exams if desired.
For some ultrasound exams, you might or might not need to "undress" your private area. If you're uncomfortable with that, let me know at the time of appointment scheduling so we can discuss the exam and measures we can use to help you feel more comfortable. For example, your significant other may be allowed to stand at your side.