Appt to Hear Heartbeat

Laura23FP · May 2011

We have an appointment on Thursday to hear the heartbeat with a doppler. Can someone explain to me exactly what they do? Also, should I go with a full bladder or does it matter?

martinimomma · May 2011

I don't think bladder status matters. If this is part of a regular appt with the Dr., he or she will do their thing (ask you the usual questions, look at the vital signs the nurse took, etc.), feel your ute to check position, and then use the doppler to check HR. (Ironically, my Drs office has Sonoline B's in every exam room...the same doppler I bought on eBay). You'll pee in a cup on your way in or out. That's about it.

If the appt is only a heartbeat check, it might be the nurse rather than the Dr. just using the doppler to do a quick check and that's it - no muss, no fuss.

As an aside, even at 12+ weeks some of the ladies on this board have reported problems with their Dr finding the HB with doppler from time to time...if this happens they usually just swing you over for an u/s in the office so try not to panic -- it has happened.

Good luck at your appt!!

TeacherVicky · May 2011

sandyd:

I don't think bladder status matters. If this is part of a regular appt with the Dr., he or she will do their thing (ask you the usual questions, look at the vital signs the nurse took, etc.), feel your ute to check position, and then use the doppler to check HR. (Ironically, my Drs office has Sonoline B's in every exam room...the same doppler I bought on eBay). You'll pee in a cup on your way in or out. That's about it.

If the appt is only a heartbeat check, it might be the nurse rather than the Dr. just using the doppler to do a quick check and that's it - no muss, no fuss.

As an aside, even at 12+ weeks some of the ladies on this board have reported problems with their Dr finding the HB with doppler from time to time...if this happens they usually just swing you over for an u/s in the office so try not to panic -- it has happened.

Good luck at your appt!!

This! No full bladder required.

Good luck, I hope your dr is successful!

BobbiJanay07 · May 2011

I agree with PPs, don't freak if they can't find it with Ian they didn't find it till 15 weeks and with Ollie I was 14. My boys both hate/d the Doppler and being monitored.

Laura23FP · May 2011

We have already had two vaginal ultrasounds, one at 7 weeks 3 days, the other at 10 weeks 3 days (baby measured 10w1d). However, what I thought was weird is at both those appointments, she didn't do an internal exam, check uterus, etc. She did check it at our very first appointment, which we had 2 days after I got my BFP.

I am going to ask her about it when we go in Thursday. I feel like I should be able to feel my uterus a bit by now and I don't think I can. Although I am not exactly sure what to look for either!

samm1983 · May 2011

Is your appt. JUST a doppler check? Sometimes I went in for a doppler check and it didn't involve all of those other things the other ladies mentioned. It was just walk in and have them check with the doppler and then I was on my way in a few minutes. GL!

Laura23FP · May 2011

I think it probably is just a doppler check since she's already done more u/s then she normally would. The one we had at 10 weeks she did because she knew we were nervous about everything being OK. But I guess we'll see when we go!

jldubb0626 · May 2011

I don't have any advice but just wanted to wish you GL tomorrow.

ColleenS629 · May 2011

Like PP said, 12w is still going to be iffy. My OB couldn't find the HBs using the doppler at 13w5d so she just did a quick u/s to make sure the babies were okay.

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