How to Detect a Fetal Heartbeat On Doppler

Life at the very beginning

Pregnant moms love listening to their baby's heartbeat. Often times, using a Fetal Heart Doppler provides the expectant mother with peace of mind allowing her to know her baby's heart is beating strongly. Detecting a fetal heartbeat on a Fetal Heart Doppler is relatively easy. Dopplers are so small and portable that you can even use it on yourself. Be patient and work methodically, and you will hear your baby's heartbeat in no time at all.Unfortunately, Fetal Dopplers are usually only sold to OBGYNs and other medical professionals. You can purchase a heartbeat monitor from BabiesR Us and other pregnancy-related stores, but they just aren't the same. Your best bet is to search for a Fetal Heart Doppler online, particularly on eBay. You can expect to pay around $75 to $150 for a good one.

Things You'll Need

• Fetal Doppler
• Water-Based Gel
• Woman At Least 15 Weeks Pregnant

Instructions

1. Lie flat on your back.

2. Expose your stomach from about three inches below the belly button to the bottom of your breasts.

3. Squirt about one tablespoon of gel onto the center of your belly.

4. Spread the gel around your belly with the microphone part of the Fetal Heart Doppler.

5. Turn the Fetal Heart Doppler on.

6. Place the microphone part approximately three inches below your navel.

7. Glide the microphone in a slow, clockwise circle around your belly.

8. Listen for the heartbeat as you move the microphone.

9. Spiral the circle in toward your navel after each full circle, making your circles smaller until you find the heartbeat.

10. Hold the microphone in place once you find the heartbeat.

11. Wait for the BPM (Beats Per Minute) to register on the LCD screen, giving you the baby's heart rate.

Tips & Warnings

• Ultrasound Gel works best.

• It is easier if you have someone else manipulate the microphone for you.

• Do not use anything other than water-based gel.