Ultrasound walk through- can anyone help?

Have you had an appointment letter?  They are usually quite detailed about what is required. I've had a couple and was advised to wear trousers and a top that could easily be pulled up/down for them to do the ultrasound. They tucked a paper sheet in the inside of my trousers to protect them from the jelly. When I say pulled down, it doesn't need to be pulled far, you'll still be decent. It's just so they can scan your pelvic area. 

The jelly is very cold at first. That's the worst bit I'd say. After that they will scan you. Whilst they are doing this they might ask you to turn on to your side or ask you to hold your breath depending on what organs they are trying to scan. It doesn't take too long and the jelly wipes off quite easily.

I was also asked to drink a certain amount of water for one ultrasound so that my bladder was full. This was uncomfortable. As soon as they'd done the scan for that part they let me into a toilet that was joined to the scan room to relieve myself. If you need to do this it will say in your letter.

Thank you so much to all of you for the responses. I am so super grateful honestly  I was diagnosed two years as a 39 year old and I wish id come onto this kind supportive community sooner!! 

The gel used for ultrasound tends to be on the cold side, so can feel a bit uncomfortable when first applied.

Worth reading your appointment letter carefully - in case they want you to either drink a particular volume of clear liquid (or maybe, fast, to avoid eating food for a specified number of hours) before the appointment.  Sometimes they ask you to do that to help give an even better image.

I sometimes use a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard - and I tend to wear it for checking in at the Reception Desk at Hospital - to help Staff realise I might appreciate some patience, understanding and support.

Going to Hospital appointments can make me feel anxious - even when I know the appointment will not be invasive, nor painful - so I always take something with me in my bag to help keep me occupied when sat in the waiting area.  I find Hospitals tend to be rather warm places - this makes layers of clothes a good idea (rather than one thick, warm item of clothing).

I have had ultrasounds a few times (not about pregnancy).  I have always found those teams to be pleasant and happy to answer my questions.

Sometimes they might ask you - at times - to please hold your breath - while they make some particularly detailed images.  I can sometimes find I benefit from a short pause between those sets of holding my breath - so I just request that I need a moment's break - then we continue with the remaining images without any problem.  

I am thoughtful about taking another brief pause when the appointment images are finished - when I first sit back up again - rather than immediately stepping off the couch (my balance system just appreciates a moment to notice "yes, definitely upright!" before I then move away from the couch.

This short video by a NHS Hospital might help you visualise what the appointment environment might look like.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SJ3TcSy__0M

Like the person in the video - a separate top and trousers (rather than a dress) makes things easier.

You maybe asked to change into a gown, or sometimes they let you keep you own clothes, so if you wore something like legings and a top, they might be able to lift your top and roll down your leggings a bit. A gel is applied to your abdomen, then something that looks like a supermarket hand held scanner is gently moved across your abdomen, you will be able to see what it see's on a screena and the radiographer will be able to tell you what you're seeing.

I've had several, mostly when pregnant, they don't hurt and are one of the more comfortable tests they do as theres next to no poking about.

At least this is my experience of them

Hi and welcome to the community!

There's some information here that you might find helpful:

NHS (Whittington Health) - Having a pelvic ultrasound

NHS (Newcastle-Upon-Tyne) - Ultrasound female pelvis

NHS - Ultrasound scan

Your GP or hospital might also be able to provide you with a version that's specific to their own service.

You might also like to consider taking along a completed "My Health Passport" (or just a list of your own design), to let those involved know of any autism-related needs that you might have:

NAS - My Health Passport