The fetal Doppler is a way to check the heartbeat on a fetus in the womb. The Doppler may be used during fetal development to monitor the health of the baby, and it is used during the time of labor and delivery. Other times, the fetal Doppler helps mothers monitor the baby's heart rate at home.
How it Works
The Doppler device works by using ultrasound waves to check an unborn baby's heart rate. The Doppler converts the sound waves into audible sounds. The physician and pregnant woman can hear and count the heart rate in the baby. To perform the test, an ultrasound jelly is applied to the woman's abdomen, and a handheld Doppler is pressed into the jelly. The ultrasound jelly helps conduct the transmission of the sound waves.
Monitoring Fetal Development
During prenatal visits, the physician uses a Doppler to monitor the fetal heart rate. The physician counts the heartbeat at each monthly visit. A decrease in the baby's heart rate or an absence of the sound signifies the fetus is in distress. Further testing, such as an ultrasound, is warranted to determine the cause of the distress.
Ultrasound
One form of ultrasound device used to monitor a baby during the end of the gestation period is a Doppler ultrasound. During this procedure, the Doppler measures the blood flow in the umbilical cord and the blood flow in some of the large blood vessels in the baby. The test shows the doctors if the baby is receiving enough oxygen through the cord.
Labor and Delivery
During labor and delivery, a fetal Doppler device is placed on the woman's abdomen. The Doppler is strapped to the abdomen to allow the woman to move around but still monitor the baby. Along with additional machines to monitor contractions, the Doppler keeps a constant monitoring of the baby's heart rate during the entire labor process.
Home Use
Fetal Doppler devices are available for home use. Several different companies manufacture the products for pregnant women to use at home to monitor the baby. Some hospitals rent the equipment, and other times the woman will have to buy the Doppler. Women who are anxious about the baby's health and women who experience high-risk pregnancies are the most common users of home Doppler devices.
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