When can you hear heartbeat at Doctor's Office?

I have my first OB appt on Monday, I will be almost 9 weeks.  I was wondering when you can hear the heartbeat at the Dr's office if you don't have an ultrasound?  Also, I have read alot of other people's HCG levels and am wondering if mine were high. At 6 weeks they were 31000.  I know there is a large range but mine are on the high end.  Any thoughts? THANKS

[DollChina]

I think the norm is 12 weeks but sometimes it all depends on luck and how the bay is positioned.  I could hear it clearly at 10 weeks 3 days at home with a rented Doppler.
Good Luck, I am off to my 2nd appointment.
Dolly

[momm2b]

They saw a hb on sonogram at 9 weeks but they never tried to hear it until 12 weeks and we heard it.

[kellym]

I believe it was 10wks 3days that the nurse used the hand held doppler in the office to hear the hb.

[newlywed05]

I heard and saw a very strong heart beat 167 at 9wks.

[JJety]

I did not hear the hb at my 10 week check-up, so I had to wait until 14 weeks.  The doc warned me when he checked that 10 weeks might be too early to hear it - 12 weeks is the norm.

Good luck - I hope you get to be lucky and hear it!!!!!!!!!!

[greenpixie]

I saw my midwife last week at almost 9 weeks and she didn't even try to hear it.  She said it was too early and we would have to wait until I come back at 12 1/2 weeks.

[cugirl]

I went to the Dr at 12 weeks to hear the heart beat on the doppler...and couldnt hear it.  He said it was iffy sometimes you can and sometimes you cant.  So I had an ultrasound and everything was fine.  He said definately would be able to at 14 weeks.  But everyones different.