How to Listen to a Heartbeat
Listening to a heartbeat can be done in two ways. One way is through a stethoscope or other listening device (such as a fetal Doppler used to discern a baby's heartbeat), and the other way is through your own ears. A stethoscope will give you the most detail, which is necessary to hear murmurs or other abnormalities; but it is possible to hear the heart beat without the aid of an instrument.
Instructions
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Inspect the stethoscope to make sure the tubing is free of cracks or kinks. Wipe the earpieces with an alcohol swab.
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Place the earpieces in your ears so they fit snugly. The curve in each earpiece should follow parallel to the curve of your outer ear, not perpendicular to it. Hold the chest-piece end of the stethoscope firmly in your hand. If you will be placing the stethoscope directly on the skin, you may rub the chest piece gently to warm it first.
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To listen to the heart, place the chest piece against the skin about 2 inches above and a half inch to the right of the left nipple. Hold firmly between your index and middle fingers. Press firmly but lightly.
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Make sure the tubing on the stethoscope hangs freely and that it's not rubbing against clothing or skin. Listen for a "lub dub" sound.
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If the heartbeat is not clear, move the stethoscope in the same general area by picking it up and placing it in half-inch increments. Do not drag the stethoscope over the skin.
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If no stethoscope is available, place your ear against the person's chest to hear the heartbeat. If you listen intently, you should be able to discern the sound the heart is making, although it is possible to be confused by the pulse which you can also feel on your ear. You will not be able to hear heart abnormalities without a stethoscope.
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Tips & Warnings
Hang the stethoscope so its tubing is free from kinks. Kinking can cause cracks.
Do not speak into the stethoscope; this can damage hearing.
