What you can expect

Before the procedure

Before the abdominal ultrasound, you may be asked to change into a hospital gown and to remove any jewelry. You'll be asked to lie on your back on an examination table.

During the procedure

A trained technician (sonographer) usually performs the abdominal ultrasound. The technician applies a small amount of warm gel to your abdomen. The gel works with the ultrasound device, called a transducer, to provide better images.

The sonographer gently presses the transducer against your stomach area, moving it back and forth. The device sends signals to a computer, which creates images that show how blood flows through the structures in your abdomen.

A typical ultrasound exam takes about 30 minutes to complete. It's usually painless. However, you may have some temporary discomfort if the technician presses on an area that is sore or tender.

After the procedure

You should be able to return to normal activities immediately after an abdominal ultrasound.