For most ultrasound exams, one will lay face-up on a table that can be tilted or changed. Patients may turn to either side to better the quality of the images. The radiologist or sonographer will place you on the exam table. They will put on a water-based gel to the area of the body for examination. The gel will assist the transducer make better contact with the body.
It also removes air pockets between the transducer and the skin that can prevent the sound waves from passing into your body. The sonographer puts the transducer on the body and places it back and forth over the area of interest until it has the desired images. There is typically no discomfort from pressure as they press the transducer on the area subjected to examination. However, if the area is soft, you may feel pressure or minor pain from the transducer.