How far along do I have to be to start using a fetal doppler?
Tuesday, December 20th, 2011 at
1:12 am
My friend is letting me hold her fetal doppler that she is not using anymore, how far along do I have to be to be able to use it and do I need to get an okay from my doctor. Also, how often can I use it? Thank you!
Filed under: Fetal Doppler FAQs
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I disagree with the poster who said it is not a good idea to use the fetal doppler. I don’t care how many unnecessary appointments you have to make with your doctor if you don’t pick up a heartbeat go in as many times as you need to that is what the doctors are paid for. I will def. use one the next time I am pregnant You would not think it was a bad idea if you experienced what I did. I went in for a ultrasount at 21 almost 22 weeks and my baby’s heart had stop beating 4-5 days before I went
You probably won’t be able to pick up the heartbeat until at least 12 weeks, and maybe not even then. My doctor was unable to pick up my baby’s heartbeat with one at 12 weeks. If you do get it then, it will be very low in your pelvis still. You can use as often as you want without the okay of a doctor, it does not emit any harmful radiation or waves or anything, it just simply amplifies the sound. Also, you’ll pick up your heartbeat with it also so the way to know the difference is how fast it is. If it’s around 60-110, it’s yours. If it’s around 120-180, it’s the baby’s!
I wouldn’t recommend using one at all. It can be very difficult for an untrained professional to find the heartbeat, especially in the first/early second trimester, which can lead to momma completely freaking out and making needless doctor’s appointments to confirm there IS a heartbeat. It will only make you worry more, not make you feel comforted.
Well said Jenny!
During my last pregnancy I borrowed one from a friend and I got my baby’s heartbeat at 14 weeks, that was the first time I tried, so I’m not sure if I could have heard it before or not.
They are totally safe, and I know some people say it causes worries because sometimes it can be hard to find the heartbeat…but with me..I was never freaked out if I couldn’t find it right away and it always comforted me to know that I could hear his heartbeat anytime I wanted.