How to Rent a Fetal Doppler

Renting a Fetal Doppler Can Give You Piece of Mind During Your Pregnancy

Pregnant women now have to opportunity to rent, or even purchase, a fetal Doppler. This will allow a woman to listen to her unborn baby's heartbeat at any time throughout her pregnancy. Some Dopplers will allow you to hear your baby's heartbeat as early as 8 weeks. It is also possible to record the heartbeat with some models. Most importantly, a fetal Doppler can provide a mother and father-to-be with peace of mind throughout the pregnancy.

Instructions

1. Be aware that the Food and Drug Administration classifies Dopplers as a Class II Medical Device. These means that you must have your doctor's approval before you can rent one. You must have a signed prescription. The penalty for renting a Doppler without a prescription can be a fine as much as $16,500. Both the rental company and you can be subject to this fine.

2. Choose online rental company. Be sure that the company complies with FDA regulations and requires a prescription in order to rent a Doppler. Some online rental companies will contact your doctor and request the prescription for you.

3. Choose what type of Doppler you want. They can range in price from $25 per month to $50 per month. The more expensive models typically are more sensitive, can detect your baby's heartbeat earlier in your pregnancy, and can even record your baby's heartbeat.

4. Decide if you want rental insurance. Many rental companies offer insurance. If the Doppler is damaged, you will not be responsible for replacement costs. This insurance is typically a one-time fee of about $30.00.

5. Decide how you want your Doppler to be shipped. Most rental companies offer several options. Often regular shipping is free while the faster options are more expensive. If you are anxious about your baby, it may be worth it to you to pay an extra $25 to have your Doppler shipped overnight.

6. Be sure to return the Doppler. It may be easy to forget this in the aftermath of having a baby! Many rental companies will provide you with a printed return label along with free return shipping. Make sure that you keep the package that the Doppler was mailed to you in. This is usually what you will use to return it.

Tips & Warnings

• Many rental companies offer discount packages if you plan on renting a Doppler for longer than three months.

• Some companies even offer a rent-to-own plan. This may be worthwhile if you used your Doppler frequently and you are planning on having another baby.

• Consider taking your Doppler to your next doctor's appointment. The doctor or nurse may show you how to find your baby's heartbeat using your specific Doppler.

• Do not rent a Doppler from a company that does not require a doctor's prescription! It is not worth the risk of getting fined.

• Be aware that, if you miss a monthly payment, your rental insurance will become invalid.

• Most rental insurance will only cover damage, not loss of the Doppler.

Resources

• Stork Radio--doppler rental