How to Use a Fetal Doppler at Home

Many expectant parents anxiously await that prenatal appointment where they can hear the baby's heartbeat for the very first time. Some opt to not wait for that first doctor's visit, instead choosing to rent a fetal doppler to listen at home. Using a fetal doppler at home can be tricky so it's important to use it correctly in order to ensure the best results.

Instructions

1. Squirt the doppler gel onto your lower abdomen. If you're less than 12 weeks along, you should be anticipating a heartbeat to be found somewhere between your belly button and pubic area. You should make sure to have plenty of doppler gel in this region.

2. Place the doppler probe in the area where the gel is located. Using one hand, hold the probe and with the other turn the doppler on. Make sure the probe is tilted downward on your belly.

3. Move the doppler very slowly starting at the belly button and moving down as you tilt it. If you move too fast you may not hear the heartbeat. Moving slowly will help you pick up any sounds. Make sure you have the volume on the doppler turned up loud enough to hear but not so loud that you will have a lot of distortion.

4. Listen for the sound of a heartbeat. Many people suggest that a baby's first heartbeat sounds like the hooves of fast running horses. This is the sound you should be listening for. The heartbeat will be about twice the rate of your heartbeat. It isn't unusual to pick up your own heartbeat; yours will be much slower than the baby's.

Tips & Warnings

• If you can't hear the heartbeat at first, try it with a full bladder. Many times a full bladder can help intensify the baby's heartbeat.