Nowadays, at-home foetal dopplers are becoming more common. And it’s tempting to want to listen to your baby’s heartbeat whenever you like.
But before you rush out and buy one, are these devices really safe to use on your own? It's important to understand what foetal doppler machines are, how they work, and why experts caution against using them without professional guidance.
In this article:
What is a Foetal Doppler?
A foetal doppler is a small, handheld device that uses ultrasound waves to pick up and amplify the sound of your baby’s heartbeat in the womb. You apply some gel on your belly, place the device’s wand (called a transducer) on your skin, and move it around until you hear the heartbeat.It’s designed to detect the sound of blood flowing through your baby’s heart, which creates that familiar “whoosh, whoosh” sound.
These devices are similar to what your doctor uses during check-ups, but the ones sold online for home use are often less sophisticated and easier to buy.
Why At-Home Foetal Dopplers Can Be Risky
It’s natural to feel excited about the idea of hearing your baby’s heartbeat at home. But doctors warn against using foetal dopplers without professional supervision.This is why they can pose risks:
Lack of Proper Training
Using a foetal heartbeat monitor isn’t just about placing it on your belly and listening. Doctors go through a lot of training to identify the baby’s heartbeat correctly.At home, it’s very easy to confuse it with other sounds, like your own heartbeat or the blood flow in the placenta. It’s easy to misinterpret these sounds without expertise.
False Reassurance
One of the biggest dangers is the false sense of security a Doppler can give. If you’re worried enough to use a Doppler, that’s usually a sign you should reach out to your doctor straight away.Hearing what you think is a heartbeat doesn’t always mean everything is fine, and not hearing one doesn’t always mean something’s wrong.
Increased Stress
If you can’t find the heartbeat or the sound doesn’t seem right, it can send you into panic mode even if your baby is completely fine.Pregnancy is already an emotional time, and struggling with a Doppler can add unnecessary stress.
Unknown Effects of Ultrasound Waves
Foetal dopplers use ultrasound waves, which create vibrations to detect the heartbeat. While there’s no proof of harm when used occasionally by professionals, the effects of frequent use at home haven’t been studied well.Overusing a Doppler could potentially expose your baby to excessive tissue heating, which might not be safe in the long run.
Inaccurate Results
Home dopplers are less sensitive than the high-tech versions used by doctors. They may not pick up your baby’s heartbeat until later in pregnancy, typically after the third trimester.Even then, factors like your baby’s position or the angle of the device can make it hard to get an accurate reading. You might mistake other sounds for a heartbeat that may lead to confusion.
What to Do Instead of Using a Foetal Doppler
There are safer and more reliable ways to keep track of your baby’s health during pregnancy instead of relying on a home Doppler.These are some doctor-recommended methods:
Monitor Foetal Movements
Feeling your baby move is a great way to check on their well-being. You may start noticing movements as early as 20 weeks. By the third trimester, you can count your baby’s movements to make sure they’re active.Sit in a comfortable position, and count at least ten movements within two hours. Contact your doctor right away if you notice your baby is not kicking or moving.
Measure Your Belly
Another way to check your baby’s growth is by measuring your uterus, also called fundal height. From about 12 weeks, your uterus grows above your pelvis and can be measured.To do this, a tape is placed from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus. The measurement in centimetres should roughly match your baby’s gestational age. For example, at 28 weeks, the measurement should be between 24 and 32 centimetres.
Ask your doctor to show you how to do this correctly at your next visit.
Trust Your Instincts and Contact Your Doctor
Your intuition as a parent is powerful. If something doesn’t feel right, call your doctor straight away, even if you’re not completely sure. They’re there for you, 24/7.Regular check-ups with your doctor are also key because they can do proper tests to check on your baby’s health and give you clear answers.
Hearing your baby’s heartbeat is a special moment in pregnancy, but using a foetal doppler at home can do more harm than good. It’s very easy to confuse other sounds for the heartbeat without the right training.
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FAQs on At-Home Foetal Doppler: Are They Safe to Use?
- Is an ultrasound the same as a foetal doppler?
No, ultrasounds give images and more detailed information about the baby, while a Doppler only picks up sound. - Can I use phone apps to hear my baby’s heartbeat?
No, phone apps should not be used to hear your baby’s heartbeat. They are not reliable for checking your baby’s health.