Fetal Doppler at home

scc1982 · August 2015

Ok, so I'm exactly 11 weeks and one day. I tried using my Doppler at home today and could not find the heartbeat. I am freaking out! I'm a plus sized woman, so I'm not sure if that matters. If anyone has had this issue or has any advice, I'd greatly appreciate some!!!

KMKaiser07 · August 2015

With my first they didn't attempt until 12 weeks and even then, warned me they may not be able to find it. Baby is still small with plenty of hiding room and it can be complicated by your uterus/placenta/baby's back facing out. Try again and try not to worry

SarahJean1014 · August 2015

The home dopplers can be hit or miss at this stage. It took me about three days of trying before I was able to pick up their heartbeats and I still have times where I can find one but not the other or can't find them at all. I recommend watching some YouTube videos so you know what sounds to look for. Also I tend to have the most success when my bladder is really full and even then the heartbeat is pretty faint.

fwtx5815 · August 2015

I had a doctor appointment on Monday and I was exactly 11w1d. It was just supposed to be a "belly check up" where the doctor and I just talked and she listened with the Doppler. She wasn't able to find it using that, so we ended up doing an ultrasound (and she didn't bill me for it! Even better!). Everything looked prefect on the u/s.
So don't stress! It's still pretty early to be able to pick it up at home. You will be able to soon, but try not to worry for now.

Swillah · August 2015

Like pp said the home dopplers aren't always accurate and it also depends on if you have an anterior or interior placenta. Give it a few more weeks and it'll get easier.

diablesse · August 2015

Yes, I've heard your weight might affect how easy it is to find the heartbeat.
There are tons of tricks you can try. A girl on here recently said her doctor said to trying coughing. The way you are lying down affects it. Make sure you are using a TON of the gel. Most importantly.....if you can't find the heartbeat DO NOT FREAK OUT! The home doppler is not a diagnostic tool. Just walk away and come back in a day or two.

ACleanLife24 · August 2015

I found the baby or my femoral artery... One of us is confirmed to be alive and kicking...

I didn't buy the doppler my mate who is 32 weeks have me hers so at 12w 5d I am just indulging myself...

MrsPittman13 · August 2015

I heard that it can definitely be hit or miss with the home ones, especially so early. I've held off of buying one because I don't want to freak myself out.

scc1982 · August 2015

Thanks for all of the support! I went to the doc today because it was driving me nuts! Heard the baby's heartbeat, nice and strong in the 160's!! I am not going to be using my at home Doppler anymore, it's too stressful!

bethgrillo · August 2015

I just ordered the Womb Music device from amazon. I'll let you all know how/if it works! We've already heard the heartbeat at the OB, so I know it's there. Obsession is a definite possibility...

brookeglenn50 · August 2015

I'm plus sized also and use the home doppler. It's hit or miss make sure you're definitely using a lot of gel. I usually can hear the heartbeat but it sometimes doesn't pick up how fast it is. At this point the baby is so low like by the pubic bone area try there that's where mines always hiding.

MittenJennie · August 2015

I am 11 weeks today and at my appointment the midwife was able to find the heartbeat with their fetal Doppler - it was super low. I used a cheapy home one I got off amazon for $25 last pregnancy but it didn't consistently work until 14 weeks. I'm not super skinny but I carry my weight in my butt and legs. It helps when your uterus starts moving up. I haven't tried at home yet. So I wouldn't worry to much.

sophie132 · August 2015

I'm 11+1 and I was itching for ages to try and find the heartbeat I eventually found it at 10+4 but that was with about an hours work put in to find it and it was literally on my pubic bone. I tried again last night because I've had such bad bad ache on and off and I found it a lot easier (10 mins this time) it appears to have moved over the past few days... If you've got one just persevere and like someone else said - watch YouTube videos too, know what sounds are what and I figured before; if I can hear the placenta whooshing there's a strong chance the babies in there

AlissaLee17 · August 2015

According to my doctor any time before twelve weeks you're more likely to find it if your bladder is really full. I'm slim and the nurse still needed five min with my full bladder to find the heart beat. I've been successful at home 50% of the time. I use it as a reassurance because I have an SCH and it worries me. Doctor says "be careful with that!" Don't freak if you can't find it. After 20 weeks you should have no trouble at all since baby will be right up in your abdomen.

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