| How does the Doppler work ? | | | | |
| | | | How many heartbeats per minute will I hear ? |
| The Doppler listens to the reflections of | | | | |
| small, high frequency sound waves that are | | | | The fetal heartbeat is much faster than your |
| reflected from within the womb. These sound | | | | own and is usually between 120 and 160 beats |
| waves are picked up by the probe and | | | | per minute. However, the heartbeat is not |
| amplified through the hand held speaker so | | | | likely to remain constant and will vary |
| that you can hear them clearly. There are a | | | | depending on the time of day and amount of |
| variety of sounds that can be heard, | | | | activity. The readings from the Doppler |
| including the fetal heart beat/tone, each of | | | | should not be used for self-diagnosis as any |
| which is distinctive and so are easily | | | | interpretation is complicated and requires |
| identified. You can hear kicks and hiccups | | | | detailed medical training. |
| when your baby grows larger. Sounds can | | | | |
| generally be heard from 10-12 weeks of your | | | | Do I need a special lotion or ultrasound gel |
| pregnancy. | | | | ? |
| | | | |
| Is the Doppler safe ? | | | | The probe on your fetal doppler needs a dense |
| | | | liquid to pick up the sound waves from the |
| All the Fetal Doppler's available through | | | | womb. The coupling gel that is provided with |
| reputable internet stores are the same, or | | | | your Doppler is to be used to ensure the high |
| use the same technology as the Doppler's used | | | | quality and clarity of the sounds you can |
| by your midwife or doctor during your | | | | hear. |
| examinations throughout your pregnancy. | | | | |
| Ultrasound technology has been used for many | | | | Doppler Tips |
| years without any adverse effect on either | | | | |
| the foetus or mother. | | | | - A very easy way to find the heartbeat is to |
| | | | take your Doppler with you to your next |
| Fetal Doppler's have an incredible safety | | | | prenatal appointment. Your OB or midwife can |
| record. They have been used daily for the | | | | help you locate your baby's heartbeat and |
| last thirty years around the world. It is | | | | provide you with helpful doppler tips. |
| estimated around five million are in use | | | | |
| every single day. No adverse effects to | | | | - A full bladder may help, especially in |
| either mother or baby have ever been | | | | early pregnancy. |
| reported. | | | | |
| | | | - Early in pregnancy, start your fetal |
| Please do not confuse Doppler's with | | | | doppler in line with the belly button right |
| ultrasound scanners used in a hospital to | | | | above the pubic hair. As pregnancy |
| show images of your baby. Our Doppler's use | | | | progresses, your fetal doppler will find the |
| ultrasound in an extremely low power output. | | | | heartbeat higher up the abdomen. |
| This is why they are run on a household | | | | |
| battery alone. | | | | - Move the doppler probe VERY slowly - it is |
| | | | quite easy to go over the heartbeat. Also, if |
| What if I can't find the heartbeat ? | | | | you move the probe too fast it may cause |
| | | | interference noise. |
| Finding the heartbeat can be daunting at | | | | |
| first as your baby may be lower than you | | | | - Tilt the doppler probe downward toward the |
| expect. Make sure you have used a generous | | | | pubic bone. |
| amount of coupling gel and position the probe | | | | |
| low down on your abdomen. If you do not hear | | | | - Be sure to use plenty of Doppler gel. If |
| any sound at first, move the probe slowly | | | | you run out of gel, you can buy additional |
| until you pick up the heartbeat. The fetal | | | | doppler gel from us. |
| heart beat sounds like a galloping horse and | | | | |
| is very fast at 120-160 beats per minute. If | | | | - The baby is normally positioned far deeper |
| you still have difficulty then refer to the | | | | in the pelvis than you would imagine. |
| leaflet enclosed with your Doppler. | | | | |
| | | | - Do not panic if you do not pick up the |
| How can I tell it's not my heartbeat I can | | | | heartbeat immediately, some days you will it |
| hear? | | | | and other days the baby may be in hiding. |
| | | | |
| The sound of the fetal heartbeat is | | | | CASE STUDIES/TESTIMONIALS FROM |
| distinctive, but can often be confused with | | | | |
| other sounds at first. You may well have | | | | "The Fetal doppler is a nice way of feel |
| heard it already during your antenatal | | | | secure of that your baby is ok. My baby's |
| appointments with your midwife or doctor. It | | | | father thinks this is quite fantastic. You |
| is a regular fast beating sound, not to be | | | | can really hear the baby tumbling around in |
| confused with the swishing sound of the | | | | the belly...noises from kicking, and the |
| placenta. | | | | strong heart beats, Regards, K" |
| | | | |
| - A roaring sound, like waves on a beach, is | | | | "received my fetal doppler today and wow its |
| the sound of your placenta. | | | | really good I am 14 weeks and have never |
| | | | heard the baby's heartbeat before, although I |
| - A 'whooshing' noise is the sound of the | | | | have 2 other children I wish I could of had |
| blood supply to the placenta. | | | | one in my previous pregnancy's its so clear |
| | | | and easy to use. thanks x" |
| - Your own pulse! Don't forget that your | | | | |
| baby's heartbeat is about twice as fast as | | | | "Very, very excited. Able to hear heartbeat |
| this. | | | | but not as clear - only 10 weeks today. This |
| | | | fetal Doppler is going to create a more |
| - A pulse that is more high-pitched than your | | | | relaxed pregnancy. Looking forward to the |
| baby's heartbeat, but at the same speed. This | | | | rest of my pregnancy with my new companion |
| is the pulse through the umbilical cord; a | | | | that will be reassuring me. I believe this |
| very pregnant and reassuring noise ! | | | | product is a must have in pregnancy. |