How to Use a Fetal Doppler
Pregnancy is one of life's most amazing experiences. During the 40 weeks of pregnancy, though, there are a few specific moments that stand out among the rest, such as getting the positive test result, learning the baby's gender, and going into labor. Another incredible moment is hearing the baby's heartbeat for the first time. There are four ways to detect a fetal heartbeat from outside the womb. The most common method of listening to the baby's hearbeat, though, is through the use of a fetal Doppler. The Doppler is a hand-held device that uses ultrasound waves to pick up and often measure the heartbeat. Obstetricians commonly use these instruments and they are now available to the general public for rent or purchase. This enables parents to listen to their growing baby's heartbeat any time they want at home. If you decide to use a fetal Doppler at home, here is all you need to know to ensure the best results.
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Instructions
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Check with your doctor. While ultrasound waves are generally considered safe, it is advisable to ask your doctor before using a fetal Doppler, particularly if you plan to use it repeatedly. Your doctor may also give you recommendations regarding which brand to use.
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Choose a fetal Doppler. In recent years, these devices have become readily available to expectant parents everywhere. A quick search on Google returns numerous companies such as BabyBeat, Stork Radio, Angel Sounds, and many more. By and large, most of these are similar in price and quality. Just be certain that the instrument you rent or purchase is actually a Doppler. There are some devices sold in stores that are nothing more than amplifiers. These typically do not pick up heartbeats until well into the second or third trimesters, if at all.
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Purchase a bottle of ultrasound gel if one is not included with your Doppler. Most fetal Doppler instruments will come with at least a small bottle or tube of ultrasound gel and cannot be used without it. If you are unsure, ask about it when ordering your Doppler or order some from an online supplier. Additionally, the gel should be readily available at local medical supply stores.
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Time it right. A fetal heartbeat cannot usually be detected until at least nine or ten weeks of pregnancy. If you are overweight, it can be twelve weeks or more before the heartbeat is readily picked up. It is certainly worth a try to use the Doppler as early as nine weeks with the understanding that it may take a few more weeks before the heartbeat is easily heard.
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Find a quiet and comfortable spot. You will have best results if you lie down on a bed or in a recliner. Try to get comfortable and relaxed and keep your environment as quiet as possible.
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Use plenty of ultrasound gel. Apply a liberal amount of the gel to your abdomen below your belly button.
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Place the Doppler probe on your abdomen. Move it slowly over your belly, allowing it to glide through the ultrasound gel. Use a slight rocking motion as you move the probe around. You will begin to hear static and whooshing sounds. Keep moving the probe slowly and be patient. When you hear the thumping sound of a heartbeat, stop moving the probe.
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Measure the heart rate. Many Doppler instruments will do this for you and display the heart rate on a small screen. If your Doppler does not measure the heart rate, you can easily do this yourself. Count the number of beats you hear for fifteen seconds and then multiply that number by four. That is the heart rate. If the rate is 100 beats per minute or lower, you have probably succeeded in detecting your own heart. If so, just keep moving the probe around your abdomen until you find another heartbeat. If you pick up a heart beating 120 beats or more per minute, you have found your baby's heartbeat.
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Tips & Warnings
A typical fetal heart rate is 120 to 180 beats per minute.
Pregnancy folklore suggests that a faster heartbeat indicates a girl, while a slower heartbeat indicates a boy.
Always check with your doctor before using any medical equipment.
If you are ever concerned about the well-being of you or your baby, call your doctor immediately.
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Comments
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littlefeet
Feb 04, 2009
are cracked up to be. I can tell you we carried some where I worked for awhile and we recevied way too many complaints about multiple issues. Mgmt finally got tid of them. Hope this helps. -
littlefeet
Feb 04, 2009
are cracked up to be. I can tell you we carried some where I worked for awhile and we recevied way too many complaints about multiple issues. Mgmt finally got tid of them. Hope this helps.
