How does the Doppler work ?
The Doppler listens to the reflections of small, high frequency sound waves that are reflected from within the womb. These sound waves are picked up by the probe and amplified through the hand held speaker so that you can hear them clearly. There are a variety of sounds that can be heard, including the fetal heart beat/tone, each of which is distinctive and so are easily identified. You can hear kicks and hiccups when your baby grows larger. Sounds can generally be heard from 10-12 weeks of your pregnancy.
Is the Doppler safe ?
All the Fetal Doppler’s available through reputable internet stores are the same, or use the same technology as the Doppler’s used by your midwife or doctor during your examinations throughout your pregnancy. Ultrasound technology has been used for many years without any adverse effect on either the foetus or mother.
Fetal Doppler’s have an incredible safety record. They have been used daily for the last thirty years around the world. It is estimated around five million are in use every single day. No adverse effects to either mother or baby have ever been reported.
Please do not confuse Doppler’s with ultrasound scanners used in a hospital to show images of your baby. Doppler’s use ultrasound in an extremely low power output. This is why they are run on a household battery alone.
What if I can't find the heartbeat ?
Finding the heartbeat can be daunting at first as your baby may be lower than you expect. Make sure you have used a generous amount of coupling gel and position the probe low down on your abdomen. If you do not hear any sound at first, move the probe slowly until you pick up the heartbeat. The fetal heart beat sounds like a galloping horse and is very fast at 120-160 beats per minute. If you still have difficulty then refer to the leaflet enclosed with your Doppler.
How can I tell it's not my heartbeat I can hear?
The sound of the fetal heartbeat is distinctive, but can often be confused with other sounds at first. You may well have heard it already during your antenatal appointments with your midwife or doctor. It is a regular fast beating sound, not to be confused with the swishing sound of the placenta.
- A roaring sound, like waves on a beach, is the sound of your placenta.
- A 'whooshing' noise is the sound of the blood supply to the placenta.
- Your own pulse! Don't forget that your baby's heartbeat is about twice as fast as this.
- A pulse that is more high-pitched than your baby's heartbeat, but at the same speed. This is the pulse through the umbilical cord; a very pregnant and reassuring noise !
How many heartbeats per minute will I hear ?
The fetal heartbeat is much faster than your own and is usually between 120 and 160 beats per minute. However, the heartbeat is not likely to remain constant and will vary depending on the time of day and amount of activity. The readings from the Doppler should not be used for self-diagnosis as any interpretation is complicated and requires detailed medical training.
Do I need a special lotion or ultrasound gel ?
The probe on your fetal doppler needs a dense liquid to pick up the sound waves from the womb. The coupling gel that is provided with your Doppler is to be used to ensure the high quality and clarity of the sounds you can hear.
Doppler Tips
- A very easy way to find the heartbeat is to take your Doppler with you to your next prenatal appointment. Your OB or midwife can help you locate your baby's heartbeat and provide you with helpful doppler tips.
- A full bladder may help, especially in early pregnancy.
- Early in pregnancy, start your fetal doppler in line with the belly button right above the pubic hair. As pregnancy progresses, your fetal doppler will find the heartbeat higher up the abdomen.
- Move the doppler probe VERY slowly - it is quite easy to go over the heartbeat. Also, if you move the probe too fast it may cause interference noise.
- Tilt the doppler probe downward toward the pubic bone.
- Be sure to use plenty of Doppler gel. If you run out of gel, you can buy additional doppler gel from us.
- The baby is normally positioned far deeper in the pelvis than you would imagine.
- Do not panic if you do not pick up the heartbeat immediately, some days you will it and other days the baby may be in hiding.
"The Fetal doppler is a nice way of feel secure of that your baby is ok. My baby’s father thinks this is quite fantastic. You can really hear the baby tumbling around in the belly...noises from kicking, and the strong heart beats, Regards, K"
“received my fetal doppler today and wow its really good I am 14 weeks and have never heard the baby’s heartbeat before, although I have 2 other children I wish I could of had one in my previous pregnancy’s its so clear and easy to use. thanks x"
“Very, very excited. Able to hear heartbeat but not as clear - only 10 weeks today. This fetal Doppler is going to create a more relaxed pregnancy. Looking forward to the rest of my pregnancy with my new companion that will be reassuring me. I believe this product is a must have in pregnancy. Regards R"
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