Doppler Tricks? (Edited: I found it!!)

JennM205 · February 2013

This might be a weird question because the device seems very 'point and listen' but it is SO not that easy! Smile

I've tried to find my LO's HB a couple of times but have had no luck yet.

Does anybody have any tricks? Is it better lying down or sitting up? Can bladder 'fullness' make a difference, like with a u/s? Can time of day make a difference? (I've been trying just before I go to bed and wondering if baby is less active at that time so harder to find?) Should I drink some caffeine beforehand, haha?

I know a lot of you have heard the HB via doppler and at fewer weeks than I am now...but I also know that everyone is different so maybe it's just too early for my body. But I'm not willing to give up just yet!

EDIT: Thanks to all who posted, the YouTube videos definitely helped, as did propping my hips up on a pillow and using more gel - because I finally found the heartbeat! Big Smile Such an amazing and beautiful sound, I didn't want to turn the doppler off - ever!

Bjswifey · February 2013

I also feel like giving up! When I wave the wand around my abdomen I get the wooshing sound all over! It starts at 125 and drops to 7080s it has to be my HB! I'm 10w 2 days and wish I knew how to use this correctly. I do the same as you morning noon night full bladder empty juice no juice it's so hard I'm right there with you girl! How far are you?

Angelbaby117 · February 2013

I haven't had any luck yet so I've decided to only try on the day that I move to a new week, so once a week. My uterus is tipped backwards so I have a feeling that's the main reason. I have a girlfriend who couldn't find hers at home until 14 weeks! I hope I'm not an extreme case like that, but it does reassure me a bit.

LnR70707 · February 2013

Lying down with hips propped is best and a full bladder will help

daynakako · February 2013

When I use it, I move the wand very slowly. I don't really move it in straight lines, I kind of keep it in one spot and move the wand in a slow circle. You have to push down pretty firmly too. It takes me a while, but I can usually find it. My baby like to hide in the lower right side of my abdominal. Try watching videos on you tube. That really helped me. GL

Mrs.AllyH · February 2013

I looked and there is a "how to" video on youtube. You may want to search there.

Singer987 · February 2013

I watched some youtube videos before I started. I have noticed it's easier to find when my bladder is full. I also hold the probe at an angle and move slowly. My baby hangs out very low towards my right side.

MonroesMisfit · February 2013

It took me right up to 11 weeks before I found mine easily. I do mine at night or first thing in the morning with a full bladder laying on the bed with hips propped a bit. I have to apply a bit of pressure with it and use a lot of gel and move slowly. Baby is still pretty low too so look right around your hair line. Good luck!

JennM205 · February 2013

Thank you to everyone for the suggestions! I didn't even think to look for videos on YouTube - hopefully they will help! I will be trying again today, hopefully with better results! Smile

diablesse · February 2013

I've been able to find it every time I tried since week 8. The PPs are right. Watching the YouTube videos will help.

Also, you have to push the probe down fairly firmly. Don't just glide over. This made all the difference to me.

Prop your hips up on a pillow.

I usually start on side, moving up and down in straight lines then make my way to the other side - that way you can move in a grid and not miss any spots. I've never found it in the same spot twice so I find this method very helpful.

I find my heartbeat first so I have that as a baseline sound. The baby's hb is much faster and if you already know why you sound like that day you'll identify the baby's as soon as you hear it.

I turn the volume way up. Usually I'll hear the baby's faintly in the distance at first, then I can zero in and turn the volume down when it gets really loud.

Hope this helps.

Feeeeebeeeee · February 2013

My midwife said you cant hear the HB til 12 weeks. But the uterus is behind the pubic bone at 10 weeks so to hear it you would place the probe above your pubis and point down behind it.

katharine25 · February 2013

From 9 to 11 weeks, I had the best luck in the morning after going pee. I could never find it in the evening. It's different for everyone. And lots of gel.

You need to look really low too, just above your pubic bone, and try to the right or to the left of center. And have a ton of patience. I also had much better luck using headphones rather than just the speaker.

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Doppler Tricks? (Edited: I found it!!)

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