Fetal dopplers, AKA fetal heartbeat monitors, are devices that allow you to listen to and monitor your baby's heartbeat. It works similar to an ultrasound machine at a doctor's office or hospital. You lay down, rub ultrasound gel on your stomach, and use a probe to detect a beat.

The key is finding the right spot and honing in on the regular heartbeat noise form your baby.

Once you do, you'll be able to hear it through the device speakers. The fetal heart rate (FHR) will also be displayed on the screen.

Here's what you'll need to get started.

Fetal Doppler:

You can get your fetal doppler here.

Ultrasound Gel:

We also recommend stocking up on a full bottle so you'll have plenty when you need. If you're in a pinch, here's 8 Ultrasound Gel.

You'll need something that makes your probeglide across your belly and minimize any sound that may com from the friction caused by the probe against your skin. Baby Doppler devices come with a free 60ml tube of gel.

Alternatives. Keep in mind that ultrasound gel will always produce the best results for the clearest heartbeat.

Batteries:

To use your device, you'll need 2xAA batteries.The Baby Doppler brand comes with batteries included,which should last at least 10 hours.

Paper Towels:

After you are finished using your doppler, you'll want to wipe the gel off without having to stand up, creating a mess. Have some paper towels or tissue by your side.

Place to Lay Down:

Fetal dopplers work best when you're in a relaxed position. Recline or lay back, propping yourself up with a few pillows.

Baby Doppler App:

If you want to record your baby's heartbeat so you can hear it later, download the Baby Doppler app so you have it ready.

The key to properly using @ fetal doppler is discerning the correct noise. You don’t want to confuse it with your heoribeat or the sound of placenta.

Here are a few tips:

BPM

The first sign you've found the right noise is hat the screen displays 120-180 BPM. An adult heartbeat will usually be around 60-100 BPM.

Galloping Horses

The most commonly used comparison to describe a'fetal heartbeat is he sound of galloping horses. In contrast, the sound of movement or your placenta is offen described as whooshing’ or blowing trees.

Listen to Comparison Videos

To learn what it should sound lke, watch others who've successfully detected a fetal heartbeat. Compare this to what you hear.

Audio Comparison App

For a handy go-to guide, we recommend using the audio references provided in the Baby Doppler app. Tap “Record,” then tap the "i" icon at the top of the screen. Select “View Audio Examples.” You can hear the sound in three different scenarios: clear, with mom’s blood flow, and with movement noise.

Finding and discerning your baby’s heartbeat becomes easier over time. That's because you'll get better with practice and your baby will get bigger, making him or her easier to find.

There are a few things you can try to increase your chances of success:

Full Bladder

Many people find it easiest lo detect a heartbeat when they have a full bladder. This helps push your uterus up from your pelvic cavity, making detection quicker and clearer.

Mornings

Some people also find it easiest to detect a heartbeat in the morning. One reason could be that it's typically when you're the least bloated. You might also have a full bladder from resting overnight.

Study the Sounds

Are you sure you aren't detecting the hearlbeat? We recommend that everyone first listens to a fetal heartbeat. That way, you'll know what you're looking for.

Clean

If you don't clean the probe, gel build-up can create static, making it harder to hear.

Generous with Gel

Stocking up on ultrasound gel ensures you're not stingy with it. Using less gel could mean more static. Using too much may also cause sound issues.

Take Breaks

If you can't hear a heartbeat, try again later or the next day. You might not easily find a heartbeat each time and that's okay. If the device is giving you anxiety, it's a good idea to put it away until your baby grows and can be easily and predictably detected.

If you're having twins, yon con expect to hear two different heartbeats as you chill the probe. However, hearing two “heartbeats” isn't always a sign of twins. You might just be picking up the some noise in two places.

As we mentioned above, there's mony reasons a fetal doppler might not work— many of which don't involve the health of your baby. The main question lo ask yourself is if he lack of detection is accompanied by a lack of movement, Are there any other signals something is wrong? For example, if you feel fewer than 10 kicks in 2 hours post 28 weeks, that's more evidence for concern.

If you've waited or feel there's something wrong for any reason, don't hesitate and call your doctor or midwife.

If you detect a suspected abnormality in your baby’s heartbeat, you can record it using the Baby Doppler app and send it to your doctor for further examination. The doppler can also be used alongside a doctor during telehealth video appoiniments.

Remember that fetal dopplers can only be used by trained professionals to diagnose issues. They do not replace prenatal appointments or advice.

After every session, wipe off the ultrasound gel using a paper towel, tissue or dry cloth. It's also a good idea to fully clean it. This helps prevent build-up, which could cause static. To do this, you can wipe it with 70% ethanol and let it air dry.

Don't submerge the device or probe in water. Don't use cleaning chemicals.

When you hear the magic, you'll probably want to share it with the world. The Baby Doppler app allows you to record your baby's heartbeat. You can save and email it, share it on social media, and more.

To make the most out of your fetal doppler, download the Baby Doppler app. Along with giving you the option to record and track your baby's heartbeat, there's also a kick counter.

Counting your baby's kicks is important starting at week 28. Keeping this habit helps you recognize if something is wrong. Seeing a list of your baby's number of movements can help you track how your baby is growing.