How to Use a Fetal Doppler

During each day of pregnancy, it’s important to monitor the health of both mom and baby. While it’s relatively simple to track how the mother is feeling at home, understanding how the baby is doing in the womb is much more complex. One of the indicators is the heartbeat. Previously, it could only be heard during a scheduled ultrasound; today, there is the fetal Doppler for pregnant women.

What is a fetal Doppler

A fetal Doppler is a medical device that allows you to independently measure the heart rate (HR) of one or more fetuses. The simple application, the presence of a display, and an accurate mechanism enable precise examination either at home or in a gynecologist’s office. The device allows you to find out:

1. The blood pressure, temperature, and heart rate of the pregnant woman.
2. Determine fetal mobility indications.
3. Investigate blood oxygen saturation levels.

Depending on the model, a fetal doppler has many additional functions that help understand how the baby is feeling and whether there are reasons for urgent medical attention. The feature of using the device is the ability to monitor heart rate at home from the 16th week (or the 11th week in some models). After the baby’s heart is formed, the normal rate is 120-160 beats per minute. In case of severe heart rate slowdown or absence, the mother can seek timely medical help and save her child’s life.

Is it necessary to use the device?

Using a fetal doppler is not mandatory if the baby has no pathologies requiring constant monitoring. The device serves as an auxiliary tool.

When is its use at home highly recommended?

1. The child has an irregular heartbeat.
2. The pregnancy is complicated, accompanied by the risk of losing the baby.
3. Multiple pregnancy is a reason to increase monitoring.
4. Labor is approaching, and it is necessary to monitor the baby’s condition in the womb.

Primarily, this is a personal choice for the expectant mother. It is worth noting that the device is completely safe. It is a medical device, which means there have been numerous clinical studies in different countries. A certified product will not harm the baby, will not cause unforeseen consequences, and will not provoke any complications.

Rules of Use

To achieve quality results, it is necessary to understand how to use a fetal doppler. Using the portable device is not complicated, but there are several important rules to consider. 

1. First, let’s determine how often to use a fetal doppler. Without indications for an unscheduled check-up, it’s enough to use the device 3 times a week.
2. Record the obtained data and take measurements at the same time. It’s best to present the results to the gynecologist during a scheduled examination.
3. Before checking, apply special gel to the belly and the fetal doppler.
4. Conduct the examination on the area of the abdomen 5 cm below the navel. Gradually lower the device another 4 cm.
5. Hold the position of the devices as soon as you hear the baby’s heartbeat.

These rules are mandatory for each examination. It should be noted that the heartbeat results are recorded on a disc or in the memory of a connected smartphone.

Step-by-step instructions for use:

1. Before using the device, be sure to read the instructions. The device may have specific construction and application features.
2. Install the battery and turn on the device.
3. Connect the sensor. Once the icon appears on the display, the Doppler is ready for use.
4. Gently tap the sensor to check the speaker’s operation.
5. If the design allows for headphone use, do so. This way, you can more clearly hear the baby’s heartbeat.

As you can see, the procedure is simple. A woman can independently perform examinations as recommended by the doctor.

How to conduct the examination?

Start conducting examinations with the fetal Doppler beginning from the 16th week. It is worth noting that an ultrasound can show a result after the 9th week but it emits 5 times more radiation than the portable home device. Some models of the fetal Doppler allow its use from the 11th week.

Research can be conducted at any time of day. It is best to do it in the morning on an empty stomach. It is also advised to conduct the research at the same time consistently, so that the comparison of results is objective.

Rules for Caring for a Fetal Doppler at Home

Properly using a fetal Doppler is one thing, but choosing the correct care for the device is entirely different. To ensure the device operates for a long time and provides accurate information, the following is necessary:

1. Clean the device from gel after each use.
2. When cleaning surfaces, use only mild cleansing agents with antibacterial effects. This will prevent damage to the body of the device.
3. Store the device in a dry place, preferably using the original packaging.
4. Charge the gadget in a timely manner.

The use of the device helps to create a safe environment for the development of the baby. Meanwhile, the optimal level of radiation does not harm the fetus or the mother.