fetal dopplers?

[ascott]

Has anyone considered or already rented a fetal doppler? Did they work? I would like to get one for my own state of mind. There have been so many stories, where the hb just stops without us knowing.

[adgal]

I have never had a fetal doppler, but I do want to comment on something you said.  You do hear stories of losses after a healthy heartbeat is detected, but in all honesty, the stats on that are very low.  Only 1-5% of losses occur after a healthy heartbeat is detected.  Those are really great odds.  One of the challenges with a fetal doppler is that in untrained hands it can be difficult to use, and I have known many members who have gone through unbelievable stress when all was actually just fine.  Yes, I will more then likely get one myself when the time comes, but I would caution not to worry too much if you aren't detecting the heartbeat.

See Pam, I knew your little guy/girl was a swimmer....active means healthy my friend!!!

[Helen72]

I used fetal doppler through mty pregnancy.  I rented one from babybeats.  It worked great for me and calmed me down when I had worries.

[PamelaBee]

Hi!  I am 13 wks, and recently purchased a fetal doppler (Hi bebe BT-200).  At first, I couldn't find the heartbeat and it took many times(actually a few days) to finally master the art of locating it. I immediately panicked because I couldn't pick it up right away, but after inquiring to both my OBs office and friends that used dopplers as well, I was told the baby is so tiny at this stage, that they can constantly move around, and they can position themselves up against your placenta which makes it very difficult to detect a heartbeat.  So don't get discouraged if this happens.  Also, I heard lots of different swishing, popping, and blurping sounds that sent me on a scavenger hunt for the right beat, but once detected, it was a beautiful sound!!  If you do get a doppler, having a full bladder helps detect the heartbeat quicker, because your uterus is raised.  Good luck!