How to Hear a Fetal Heartbeat

According to Dr. Spock, you can hear your baby's heartbeat 22 days after conception. Hearing this sound is one of the magical moments in your life. You have a new-found motivation and go on a shopping spree for baby clothes, a crib and stroller. You buy a fetal doppler so that you can share this wonderful sound with your family and friends.Here is how to use this fetal doppler to listen to your baby's heartbeat.

Things You'll Need

• Fetal doppler
• Ultrasound gel

Instructions

1. Open the package containing the fetal doppler. Listen to the fetal heartbeat recording, if it is provided, so that you become familiar with how your baby's heartbeat will sound.

2. Switch the fetal doppler to the "on" position. Check the digital screen to see if it is working.

3. Apply a generous amount of ultrasound gel to the doppler probe and place the probe onto your stomach.

4. Lie down on a comfortable surface or sit. Choose the position most comfortable for you.

5. Move the doppler probe so it is below your belly button and above your pubic bone. Be patient and do not remove the doppler probe from your stomach; you don't want to miss your baby's heartbeat.

6. Start moving the probe around the middle part of your stomach and move outwards. You eventually will hear your baby's heart.

Tips & Warnings

• If you hear static, apply more ultrasound gel to the doppler probe.

References

• Pregnancy Info
• Dr. Spock