Sonography (ultrasound test) is one of the most common, safe, and painless diagnostic procedures. Doctors recommend it for multiple reasons — pregnancy checkups, abdominal pain, kidney stones, gallbladder problems, liver disease, gynecological conditions, and even heart health.
But here’s the catch: the accuracy of your sonography report depends not only on the machine or doctor but also on how you prepare before the test.
Yes, you read that right! Just like exams need preparation, sonography bhi thodi si preparation maangta hai. If you don’t follow the right instructions, the sonographer might struggle to get a clear picture, and sometimes you may even need to repeat the test.
In this blog, we’ll explain in very simple words the dos and don’ts before sonography so you can walk in with confidence and get the most accurate results.
What is Sonography?
Sonography, also called ultrasound, uses sound waves to create live images of your internal organs. No radiation, no pain, and no injections.
It’s used for:
Checking pregnancy growth and baby’s health
Diagnosing gallstones, kidney stones, liver or pancreas issues
Looking at thyroid gland, uterus, ovaries, prostate, or blood flow
Monitoring chronic diseases like fatty liver or PCOD
Safe for all ages — from infants to elderly.
General Preparation for Sonography
Every type of sonography has slightly different preparation rules, but some general tips always help:
Wear loose, comfortable clothes (kurta-pajama style, avoid tight jeans/belts).
Carry your previous reports — blood tests, scans, prescriptions.
Reach 15–20 minutes early — stress-free start makes a difference.
Ask your doctor beforehand if you should continue or stop medicines before the test.
Different Types of Sonography & Their Preparation
Here’s the detailed breakdown of dos and don’ts based on sonography type:
1. Abdominal Sonography (Liver, Gallbladder, Pancreas, Spleen, etc.)
Dos
Fast for 6–8 hours before the test.
Drink only small sips of water if needed.
Take medicines only if your doctor allows.
Don’ts
Don’t eat oily or heavy food the night before.
Don’t drink milk, tea, or coffee.
Don’t chew gum (it creates air in the stomach, blurring images).
Why fasting? — A full stomach or gas blocks ultrasound waves, making images unclear.
2. Pelvic Sonography (Uterus, Ovaries, Bladder, Prostate)
Dos
Drink 4–5 glasses of water one hour before the test.
Keep your bladder full (very important for clear images).
Don’ts
Don’t urinate before the test (unless sonographer says so).
Don’t drink carbonated drinks (they cause gas).
A full bladder acts like a “magnifying glass,” helping doctors see pelvic organs clearly.
3. Pregnancy Sonography
Early pregnancy (up to 12 weeks): Same as pelvic scan — drink water, full bladder.
Later pregnancy (after 12 weeks): Usually no special preparation, but avoid heavy meals right before scan.
4. Kidney Sonography
Dos
Fast for 6 hours if combined with abdominal scan.
Drink water and keep bladder moderately full.
Don’ts
Don’t eat before test (especially fatty food).
5. Doppler Sonography (Blood Flow)
Usually no fasting.
Just avoid smoking or caffeine before test (they constrict blood vessels).
6. Thyroid, Breast, or Neck Sonography
No fasting required.
Just avoid applying creams, powders, or lotions on neck/chest area before the test.
Dos and Don’ts Summary Chart
| Type of Sonography | Dos | Don’ts |
|---|---|---|
| Abdominal | Fast 6–8 hrs | No food, milk, tea, coffee |
| Pelvic | Drink 4–5 glasses water | Don’t urinate |
| Pregnancy (early) | Full bladder | Avoid carbonated drinks |
| Pregnancy (later) | Light meal only | Heavy food before test |
| Kidney | Fast + drink water | No oily food |
| Doppler | Normal diet | Avoid smoking/caffeine |
| Thyroid/Breast | Normal routine | No creams/lotions |
Pro Tips from Experts
Always confirm instructions with your doctor — rules may vary slightly depending on your case.
Carry a scarf/dupatta or jacket — ultrasound rooms are often cold due to AC.
Take a small snack with you (like a biscuit) to eat after fasting scans.
Relax during the test — stress or muscle tightening can affect imaging.
Common Mistakes People Make
Drinking tea/coffee before abdominal scan ☕❌
Emptying bladder before pelvic scan 🚽❌
Forgetting to bring old reports 📄❌
Wearing tight jeans or belts, making it hard to access the stomach area 👖❌
Avoid these, and your test will be smooth.
Lifestyle & Prevention Angle
Sonography is not just about diagnosis — it’s also a wake-up call to take care of your health.
Eat balanced diet
Drink enough water
Do regular health checkups
Avoid self-medication
Remember: Prevention is always better than cure.
Key Takeaway
Sonography is simple, safe, and quick — but preparation is the key to accuracy.
Abdominal scan? Go empty stomach.
Pelvic scan? Go with full bladder.
Pregnancy scan? Follow trimester-specific instructions.
By following these simple dos and don’ts, you’ll save time, avoid repeat scans, and get the most reliable results.
