For many women, the desire to monitor the well-being of their child begins long before childbirth. Using a fetal Doppler heart monitor at home to listen to the unborn baby's heartbeat reassures many expectant mothers that their baby is thriving in the womb.
Step 1
Talk to your doctor and get a prescription. The FDA has classified fetal Doppler monitors as prescriptive devices, which means using one without a prescription from your doctor is not recommended. Talk to your doctor about the risks involved and ask for specific recommendations regarding duration and frequency of use.
Step 2
You can rent or buy a Doppler heart monitor from websites, baby supply stores and hospitals. Make sure the vendor you choose is FDA approved and complies with the FDA's recommendation to ask for a prescription.
Step 3
Read the instructions thoroughly. Although the general process for using fetal Doppler heart monitors is similar, it is always best to check the instructions for your specific model to make sure it doesn't have any quirks or deviate from the typical process.
Step 4
Apply ultrasound gel generously to the abdomen area, starting right above the pubic bone and going up to your belly button. The gel makes it easier for the probe to slide across the skin and also helps to reduce static. Keep this gel nearby so it will be easy to apply more when needed.
Step 5
Place the probe at an angle on your abdomen. If you are in the first trimester, start looking for the heartbeat right above your pubic bone area. Women in the second trimester may have better luck finding the heartbeat closer to the belly button region. The further along you are in the pregnancy, the higher you may need to move the probe to find the heartbeat.
Step 6
Slide the probe slowly around the area. Don't make the mistake of moving the probe too quickly, which can result in static or make you miss the heartbeat. Move methodically in a small, circular pattern, slowly making your way across your abdomen. If you still cannot find the heartbeat, change the angle of the probe and try again.
Step 7
Keep an eye on the time. The FDA recommends using the Doppler for a maximum of 10 minutes per session. Even if you haven't found the heartbeat before this time, put the Doppler away and try again on another day to avoid putting your baby at unnecessary risk.
Tips and Warnings
- It's easy to confuse the sound of your own heartbeat with your baby's heartbeat. Your heartbeat should be under 100 beats per minute, while your baby's should be over 120 beats per minute, according to DrSpock.com's expert Marjorie Greenfield, an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Case School of Medicine and University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio. If you have difficulty telling the difference, finding online audio clips of a baby's heartbeat may be useful.
- According to the FDA, there is a chance that frequent use of a fetal Doppler heart monitor may put your baby at unnecessary risk from radiation. Educate yourself about the potential risks before deciding if using one of these devices is right for you.
Things You'll Need
- Prescription
- Fetal Doppler heart monitor
- Ultrasound gel
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