Detect You Baby’s Heartbeat with the Best Fetal Doppler

Fetal dopplers have become all the rage between new parents and seasoned parents alike. They allow a level of reassurance that the baby is doing fine, allowing you to feel closer to your little one. Fetal dopplers also allow your other children to see the baby as a being rather than some abstract idea which they may struggle to grasp. It is amazing that you can now get this technology for your home.

What should you consider when choosing the right fetal doppler for you? Check out our buying guide for some handy tips and advice.

What is a Fetal Doppler?

A fetal doppler is a hand-held ultrasound sensor used to detect the heartbeat of an unborn baby.

The doppler effect is a change in sound by either increasing or decreasing frequency. When sound waves move closer to an observer, they get compressed, which in turn means they become a higher frequency. The doppler effect is used to create an audible duplicate of the baby's heartbeat. Some devices also offer a visual representation of the heartbeat.

Why do you need a Fetal Doppler?

It is natural for any parent to worry about the health of their baby. Fetal dopplers give you an added peace of mind. It is not a replacement for medical care. If you feel that something is wrong, even with a healthy heartbeat, you should visit your doctor straight away. However, there are several reasons why a parent may choose to buy a fetal doppler.

History of health problems

You may have already experienced problems with the health of your baby in the past. You may have suffered a miscarriage. A fetal doppler can be used before the baby starts kicking to show it is alive. Unfortunately, fetal dopplers will often pick up on the mother’s heartbeat. Nurses are trained to differentiate between the sounds your body is making and the sound your baby is making. Health professionals claim that a change in the movement of the baby is the most important thing to look out for. If a baby has been moving often and slows down, it is a signal to seek medical help. Just because you can hear the baby’s heartbeat doesn’t mean it is healthy.

If you have preexisting health conditions, you will want the added peace of mind a fetal doppler brings. Again, the fetal doppler cannot tell you if your baby is healthy. It can only tell you if their heart is beating, and only if it is not picking up on the sounds your own body is making.

Natural worry

Many parents worry that their child is unhealthy when everything is perfectly normal. Perhaps you know that you will end up going to the doctor’s every day because you are a natural worrier. Maybe the fetal doppler will give you some peace of mind. If you are worried there is something wrong with your baby, go to the doctor just in case. It doesn’t matter how many times you visit the doctors if you can afford it.

You can’t afford to visit the doctor as often as you want to

Medical fees are expensive and quite often the health insurance we believed would cover everything just doesn’t. There are a number of free services mothers and babies can contact. Don’t struggle on your own.

You want to feel closer to your baby

The safest and only reason you should buy a fetal doppler is to feel closer to your baby. You can show your family your baby’s heartbeat. Some devices even offer a recording device so you can have a wonderful souvenir of your pregnancy.

Things to consider before buying a fetal doppler?

Fetal dopplers come with a variety of features and styles. Manufacturers claim that fetal dopplers are for the use of medical professionals, so if you chose to buy one, you will want one that is easy to use. You may also want to check for tutorial videos for a particular device to make sure you can confidently use it. Read on for more ideas of what you should look for in a fetal doppler.

Do you want to see the baby’s heart rate?

You can buy fetal dopplers which come with an LCD screen to show your baby’s heart rate. Some fetal dopplers display heart rate graphs.

Who is listening?

If you are buying the fetal doppler just for you to hear the baby’s heartbeat, a device that comes with headphones is fine. If you wish to listen with your whole family at the same time, consider buying a fetal doppler with a speaker attached. Most models come with earphones included.

Waterproof

A waterproof fetal doppler is a must if you are planning a home birth. This is also a lovely product if you simply want to relax in the bath whilst listening to your baby’s heartbeat.

Recording audio

Purchasing a model with an audio/earphone output will allow you to record the baby’s heartbeat. This is useful for parents who wish to show the recording to a doctor.

MHz Probe

The lower the probe, the further its reach. A typical probe is 3MHz. However, an overweight mother should use a 2.5MHz probe.

Colour

You can get devices that come in pink or blue for girls and boys respectively. Various other designs are available, none of which impact the device's usability.

Fetal Doppler price range

You can buy a pocket fetal doppler from a local pharmacy for as little as $40. On average, you will need to spend around $60 for a decent device. Some high-end fetal dopplers cost up to $1500 but these are aimed at professionals.

FAQ

Q: Do fetal dopplers come with everything I need?
A: You will likely need to buy batteries and ultrasound gel before using your fetal doppler. Some do include these items in the purchase, but not all.

Q: How often is it safe to use a fetal doppler?
A: If you do not use the fetal doppler too often it is perfectly safe. Limit your use to one 5 minute session, every other day.