How to Use a Doppler to Find Fetal Heartbeat
Pregnancy is an exciting time and many parents are eager to begin bonding with their babies as soon as possible by listening to the tiny heartbeat. Dopplers are available to rent or purchase for home use, and a heartbeat may be detected as early as eight weeks into pregnancy. Using a Doppler the first few times can be tricky because a fetus' heart is tiny and it's easy to pass right over it. Relax, move slowly, and don't be alarmed if it takes some time to hear your baby's heart beating.
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Instructions
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Lie down in a comfortable position with your belly bare and a towel or napkins within reach for cleanup. Keep a stopwatch or timer nearby if you'd like to time the rate of your baby's heartbeat.
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Cover the surface of the Doppler with ultrasound gel and turn on the Doppler.
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Place the probe just above your pubic hair line, in line with your belly button. If you're in your second trimester, put the probe closer to your belly button.
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Tilting the probe slightly downward, move the Doppler very slowly in small circular motions from side to side across your belly.
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Listen closely for a rapid heartbeat, keeping in mind that you might hear your own heartbeat with the Doppler. An adult's heart beats at a rate of 60 to 100 beats per minute (BPM), while a fetus's heart beats at a rate of 120 to 180 BPM, according to FetalDopplerFacts.org.
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Don't panic if you can't find your baby's heartbeat; it might not be audible if you're less than 12 weeks into pregnancy.
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If you're having trouble using your Doppler, bring it with you to your next doctor's appointment so your doctor can show you how to use it properly.
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Tips & Warnings
Dopplers that use a 2 MHz probe are more likely to pick up the heartbeat early in pregnancy than 3 MHz Dopplers, says Fetal DopplerFacts.org.
If you're having trouble locating the heartbeat, try using the Doppler with a full bladder. This can position the uterus for easier sound detection, and is especially helpful early in pregnancy.
As your pregnancy progresses, you'll find the heartbeat gradually higher on your abdomen.
You might be able to pick up the heartbeat in more than one location; this does not necessarily mean you're having twins or multiples.
Use only ultrasound gel or Doppler lotion with your unit; substances not designed to be used with a Doppler can create extra static noise and damage the instrument.
