Safety of Fetal Doppler Monitors
Fetal doppler monitors are small machines used to listen to the heartbeat of an unborn baby. They are used frequently by doctors and nurses, as well as pregnant women in their own homes. Fetal doppler monitors are regulated by the FDA and are considered safe for occasional use.
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Fetal Doppler
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A fetal doppler is a small battery-operated device that picks up the heartbeat of an unborn baby beginning at eight weeks gestation. It uses low-frequency ultrasound waves to pass through the mother's skin and pick up the baby's heartbeat. The waves are then transmitted into sound.
Safety
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Fetal dopplers are considered safe and are not believed to cause any harm to an unborn baby.
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Testing
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Fetal dopplers are consistently tested by manufacturers and the FDA. According to the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, "No confirmed biological effects on patients or instrument operators caused by exposure at intensities typical of present diagnostic ultrasound instruments have ever been reported."
Limited Use
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The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine recommends that a fetal doppler be used as little as possible rather than for extended periods of time since it is a medical grade device and not meant to be used for entertainment. An exam should take no longer than seven minutes and the doppler should only be used a few times a week.
FDA Approval
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Fetal dopplers are approved for doctor and home use by the FDA. Because they are medical devices, a doctor's prescription is required to legally rent or purchase one for home use.
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