How to Prepare for an Abdominal or Pelvic Ultrasound

An abdominal Ultrasound needs an empty stomach, and a pelvic Ultrasound needs a full bladder. That’s the whole idea behind the preparation. Get those two things right and the sonographer can see your organs clearly, which means a better scan for the doctor who ordered it.

Here are Bluewater’s instructions for each scan, what to do when your requisition asks for both, what to wear, and how long you’ll be at the clinic.

Do I need to fast for an abdominal Ultrasound?

Yes. An abdominal Ultrasound looks at the gall bladder, pancreas, spleen, liver, kidneys and aorta. The rule depends on the time of your appointment:

• Morning appointment (before 1pm): no solid food or liquids after midnight. We need an empty stomach.
• Afternoon appointment (after 1pm): a light breakfast of dry toast, black tea or coffee, or juice before 8:00am. No dairy. Do not eat lunch.

Why so strict? When you eat, the gall bladder empties and gets smaller, and food and air in the stomach block the sound waves. Fasting gives the sonographer a clearer view of everything in your upper belly.

A slice of dry toast at 7:30am before an afternoon scan is fine. A latte at 9:00am is not. If you take medication in the morning and aren’t sure what to do, call 416-462-0064 before the day rather than guessing.

How much water do I drink for a pelvic Ultrasound?

A pelvic Ultrasound looks at the bladder and the organs around it: the uterus and ovaries for women, the bladder and prostate for men. A full bladder works like a window for the sound waves, so:

1. Drink 4 glasses (1 litre) of water, finishing 1 hour before your appointment.
2. Do not go to the washroom. You need a full bladder for this exam.
3. You may eat as usual.

Spread the water over 20 to 30 minutes instead of drinking it all at once, and don’t add extra. An overfull bladder is uncomfortable and doesn’t make the pictures clearer. If you can’t hold it, tell the front desk before you do anything, so you don’t have to start again.

For women, a pelvic Ultrasound sometimes has a second, internal part called a transvaginal scan. For that part you empty your bladder first, and the sonographer explains each step before it starts. It’s your choice, and you can ask questions or say no. Read more on our pelvic Ultrasound page.

What if my requisition lists the abdomen and the pelvis?

Then you combine the two: nothing to eat or drink after midnight, then finish drinking 1 litre (32 oz) of water 1 hour before your appointment. Do not go to the washroom until the exam is complete. Both scans are done at the same visit.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear pants or a skirt with a separate top. For an abdominal Ultrasound you usually just lift or lower your clothing at the waist, and for a pelvic scan you lower your waistband a little.

Bring your Ontario health card, your signed requisition and a list of your medications. An OHIP-covered Ultrasound needs a requisition from your doctor or nurse practitioner, on any clinic’s form. Not sure? Read Do you need a requisition for an X-Ray or Ultrasound in Ontario?

Arrive at least 15 minutes early to check in. The full list for every exam is on our preparation instructions page, in eleven languages.

How long does an abdominal or pelvic Ultrasound take?

About 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the exam. You lie on your back on the exam table, the sonographer puts warm gel on your skin, and a small handheld probe moves over your belly with gentle pressure. You may be asked to hold your breath or roll onto your side. There are no needles and no radiation.

When the pictures are done, you can eat, drink and use the washroom as usual.

The sonographer can’t tell you the results, and that isn’t a sign that anything is wrong. A radiologist reads the images, and the report reaches your doctor in 24 to 48 hours. You can also see your images through PocketHealth.

What if I forgot and ate, or drank too little?

Tell the front desk as soon as you arrive. The team may go ahead or suggest a new time so the pictures are as useful as possible. If you realize the night before that you can’t follow the instructions, call 416-462-0064 and we’ll help you rebook. Please give at least 24 hours’ notice, because missed appointments and late cancellations are charged a fee.

Is it covered by OHIP?

Yes. With a valid Ontario health card and a requisition, an abdominal or pelvic Ultrasound is covered in full, with no co-payment and no facility fee. Without OHIP, each scan is $145 as of October 2026, from our cash fee schedule. Our article Is my Ultrasound covered by OHIP? explains what’s free and what isn’t.

Ready to book?

Ultrasound is offered at all ten Bluewater clinics. Find the clinic nearest you, then book your Ultrasound online or call 416-462-0064. Learn more on our Ultrasound page.

This article is general information. Always follow the instructions from your doctor and your appointment confirmation.