Fetal Doppler

Using a fetal doppler can be a wonderful addition to the journey of expecting parents by imbuing the anticipation with a sense of wonder. Listening to your little one’s heartbeat is a beautiful way to start building a connection with them before they arrive. It’s also a good way to create memories with your loved ones. 

We understand that having advanced medical technology at home might seem a little overwhelming at first. That’s why our products are easy-to-use, lightweight, and portable – our mini doppler can even fit in your pocket! You can use them to listen to your baby anywhere, at any time in privacy using your headphones – or share the experience using their in-built speaker. 

Every device in the BabyHeart fetal doppler range is medical grade. That means they’re fit for personal and in-clinic use.

Each baby monitor is also entered in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG no. 277143), meaning you can be assured you’re purchasing a high-quality pocket fetal doppler that is safe and reliable.

To start hearing your baby’s sounds of joy, visit us online and shop our range of baby heart monitors today.

What is a fetal doppler?

If you’ve been pondering the difference between fetal doppler vs ultrasound, the answer is simple. They’re one and the same!

A fetal doppler is a portable handheld ultrasound device that allows you to listen to your baby’s heartbeat at your own convenience. 

Specifically, it detects blood flow – such as blood being moved through your baby’s heart arteries. This is achieved by transmitting sound waves through your skin and tissue, which bounce back and are then amplified by the microphone and audio output of the heartbeat doppler. The rhythm you can hear from your at-home fetal doppler is your baby’s heartbeat. 

Just remember: the fetal heartbeat doppler will also pick up the heartbeat of the body carrying the baby, as well as major artery flow. The baby’s heartbeat will be much faster than these. If you’re uncertain about what you’re hearing or want some guidance on using your baby heartbeat doppler, ask your nurse or doctor at your next scheduled pregnancy appointment.

How to use a fetal doppler?

Using a fetal doppler is easy. Before you use your pocket fetal doppler for the first time, you must perform a spot test with the ultrasound gel. This is to avoid an allergic reaction that could potentially be harmful to you or your child. Let somebody know you’re running a spot test so they can advise medical staff just in case. To do a spot test:

1. Dab a small amount of the doppler gel on an unobtrusive patch of skin, such as under your chin or behind your ears (this way, any reaction you may have is concealed). 
2. Leave the gel on for 24 hours. 
3. If your skin remains clear after the time has passed and you haven’t experienced an adverse reaction, you can use your fetal doppler with the gel. 

To use your at-home doppler:

1. Make sure the batteries are safely inserted or that it is fully charged. 
2. Get comfy! Recline gently in bed with pillows behind you or on the couch or an armchair. 
3. Uncover your stomach – you’ll need to roll your shirt up and lower the waist of your pants or skirt so that the lower part of your abdomen is clear. 
4. Put some of the ultrasound transmission gel on your lower belly, covering the area from beneath your belly button to the level of your pelvis between the hips. Handy hint: all BabyHeart fetal doppler machines come with the necessary gel, and you can buy replacement bottles at our online store if you run out. 
5. Place the doppler firmly but gently against your lower belly and turn on your heartbeat monitor. 
6. Move the probe around until you can identify the fetal heart rate.

If you’re using our mini doppler, follow the above instructions but place the whole device against your abdomen instead of the probe. 

What are the benefits of using a fetal doppler?

The primary benefit of using a fetal doppler is the convenience they provide.

Hearing your baby’s heartbeat for the first time is truly special. Now – thanks to the modern ultrasound technology behind the home doppler – you can hear those sounds of joy a few times a week in between your doctor's appointments.

Your use of a fetal doppler at home must be done in conjunction with your regular doctor, ob-gyn, or midwife appointments. Only a medical professional can appropriately monitor the health and development of your baby and provide a diagnosis for any problems that may arise during your pregnancy.

Using a fetal heart rate monitor can be a great way to listen to and monitor your baby at home within parameters provided by your medical advisor. You might be asked to record your baby’s heart rate regularly, in which case, a numerical doppler fetal heart rate such as that provided by our standard, advanced, and premium heart dopplers can be immensely helpful.

Using a fetal doppler is a beautiful way to bond with your baby. To buy fetal doppler, shop the BabyHeart collection of medical-grade, FDA-approved baby devices and accessories online today.