Safety of Home Dopplers

mrscmomtobe · January 2012

Hi all, I am considering buying a doppler for my own peace of mind. I am in no way trying to start any trouble here but...has anyone ever heard anything negative about using these so often? I ask because I know dopplers are a milder form of ultrasound technology, and I just fear that it might not be healthy for the baby to be exposed to that all the time. I plan on asking my doctor but am curious about your opinions and experiences. Has anyone else had this thought? What did your doctor say? TIA for your thoughts on this...

boxerbe123 · January 2012

Most OBs will NOT recommend at home dopplers. They can cause more scares and worries for certain women. For example, if your uterus is tilted or the placenta is attached in the front you may have difficulty hearing the heartbeat. This then causes you to worry/panic/call their office. Stress is TERRIBLE during pregnancy, I don't think people really realize it, but a stressed out mother can significantly alter neurological development (read the book "The Female Brain".

Anyway, I've avoided them because of the potential stress. I try to live with the mentality that I don't have a reason to worry right now. Of coarse it would be so reassuring to hear a heart beat every day, but I also have an addictive personality so I would be doing it all the time. I also stress easily and know I would panic if I couldn't find it.

There are tons of ladies who love them, but I'd think hard about whether you want that potential worry/concern.

canerican future mom · January 2012

mrscmomtobe:
Hi all, I am considering buying a doppler for my own peace of mind. I am in no way trying to start any trouble here but...has anyone ever heard anything negative about using these so often? I ask because I know dopplers are a milder form of ultrasound technology, and I just fear that it might not be healthy for the baby to be exposed to that all the time. I plan on asking my doctor but am curious about your opinions and experiences. Has anyone else had this thought? What did your doctor say? TIA for your thoughts on this...

I have been told that the only harm is the panic of not being able to find the heartbeat. It's recommended that you talk to your OB and that they help you use the doppler before you try it yourself. I tend to do the opposite of what is recommended and got a doppler right around 10 weeks. Little did I know that I only had a 50/50 shot of finding the heartbeat that early. I told myself not to wory until at least 12 weeks if I couldn't find it.... Mind you, I know that I don't have a tilted uterus or anything. I had also seen the heartbeat twice.

When I got the doppler, I tried for over an hour, watched You Tube videos, etc. I wasn't even sure what I was listening for. I didn't panic when I couldn't find it but I did get a little frustrated. Once my DH got home from work, I asked him to try... he found it right away. I guess he had a better angle. Now I can find it easily. I have suffered a few m/c so the doppler gives me incredible peace of mind. Honestly, I'm not sure how I would make it through this one if I didn't have it. To me, the benefit of it outweighs the negative. I say, if you want one, get one! I have known a lot of women that have had them and they say it's the best thing on earth!!! I actually rent mine from belly beats. It's fantastic!!! I'm thinking I can return this one and buy a cheaper one since I'm further along now

GL!!!

brycyn714 · January 2012

Your cell phone in your pocket would probably do more damage. Just don't freak out when you can't find the heartbeat. I got mine at 10 weeks and some days it took 20 min to find. I'm 12 weeks now and since my uterus is bigger I just plop it on and I can hear it within 1 min of looking. I can hear the little one do little kicks now too. It's very exciting. I would say get one. I love having mine. Just know they aren't as sensitive as the one your doctor has.

canerican future mom · January 2012

brycyn714:
Your cell phone in your pocket would probably do more damage. Just don't freak out when you can't find the heartbeat. I got mine at 10 weeks and some days it took 20 min to find. I'm 12 weeks now and since my uterus is bigger I just plop it on and I can hear it within 1 min of looking. I can hear the little one do little kicks now too. It's very exciting. I would say get one. I love having mine. Just know they aren't as sensitive as the one your doctor has.

So funny!!! Last night, I was talking to my niece (she's 3) and I was letting her listen to the "ladybug" (our nickname for the baby). The baby kept kicking.... I couldn't feel it, of course, but I took it as, ok, he/she has had enough of mommy checking on him/her so I stopped.

mandalinn25 · January 2012

My RE and OB are both fine with a home Doppler. The Sonoline B is FDA approved and as long as you aren't strapping it on all day, they said it is just fine.

Everyone has to do what they feel comfortable with though.

JennJenn613 · January 2012

I am sure they are fine safety wise. I'm more worried about my laptop on my lap all day.

I do plan to use it sparingly, only once a week or so, because DS HATED the doppler and would go crazy whenever the doctor used it.

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