Home Doppler

hmhierholzer · November 2016

Hi, I am lurking from the June 2017 board. For those of you who have used a home Doppler, when were you first able to pick up baby's HB? I am 9 weeks today and have tried several times over the last week or so, with absolutely no luck. It is wreaking havoc on my PGAL brain. I know it's typically recommended not to try until at least 11 weeks, but I've heard of a lot of people finding it much earlier. Just wanting to get some reassurance from any of you who may have experienced something similar.

psherman42wwsa · November 2016

I didn't hear it until 11 weeks. But I don't think I even tried in week 10.

KMD1106 · November 2016

I haven't tried yet and I'm 14w tomorrow because I didn't hear it on my own last time until like 15w (I can't exactly remember, but I don't want to deal with PGAL brain). I'm sorry you're stressing, but 9w is very early to hear it. My doc even waits until the 16w appointment to use it because he can't hear it at 12w sometimes (did bedside US instead).

chickyclg · November 2016

When I was pregnant with my twins we picked up at least one around 11 weeks. I'm 14 weeks now and haven't tried it this time but the nurse was unable to find the heart beat at 12 + 3 wks.

HLD3194 · November 2016

First time I tired I was just shy of 10 weeks, but it too me A LONG TIME to find it and did for the next 3 weeks. Wasn't until recently that I am able to find it instantly. Depending how low baby is and positioned it can be very hard to find. Please don't stress and just try to be patient. I know easier said than done. Also whenever I was really bloated or gassy it was nearly impossible to find HB also.

psherman42wwsa · November 2016

I also wanted to say that when I found the heartbeat at 11 weeks, I didn't move the doppler and was waiting for my hubs to come over to listen and the baby moved and I lost the heartbeat and couldn't find it for the rest of the day.

L1C4gal · November 2016

I found it for the first time around 9 weeks, but even now at 13w2d, it's sometimes tough to pick up. It has taken me 20+ minutes before (I know I should have just given up). As others have said, it depends on your body (I'm very small which might help?), how baby is positioned in there, etc. I've also heard some say that having a full bladder helps, but for me, this makes it really hard to find. I know it's hard not to worry, but I hope you can take comfort in these responses--especially the ones saying that doctors have trouble finding it this early. Good luck!

pshaortao · November 2016

I don't have a home doppler but the midwife was able to find the heartbeat right away at 111+4. I think she used the information from my 8wk ultrasound to try one side of the uterus first since baby usually like to stay on one side more. I could be wrong though. PGAL brain is hard though, I would wait longer if you can.

onebadmotha · November 2016

I found it first at 9w2d, and I was shocked. I'm 12w6d now, and it can still be tricky to find, depending on where baby is- the nurses even took a while at my last appointment. I wouldn't worry, baby is so tiny and squirmy these days.

hp_momma · November 2016

My doctor had a hard time finding it at 10 weeks and said she usually doesn't try that early but because I was thin she knew it would be easier. It took her awhile!

Cubslove12 · November 2016

I was debating getting a doppler due to my PGAL brain, however, when I went in for my 11 week apt they couldn't hear it and had to do an US. My baby was hiding behind the placenta... Freaked the heck out of me and thats when I decided I'm not going to get one, I think it would cause me a panic attack if I couldn't hear it...

hmhierholzer · November 2016

Thank you for all of the responses! It has definitely made me feel a lot better. I asked my husband to hide my Doppler for a few weeks, so hopefully that helps with the anxiety!

inomniaparatus2 · November 2016

I tried right before my 11 week appt and didn't find it but it was because I wasn't looking far enough down. After my doctor found it at 11 weeks I am able to find it very easily each time I check. I also have PGAL worries so for me it is a nice reassurance whenever I need it. After your doctor finds it you can see where they put their Doppler and go around that area. Also make sure you are using enough lotion, lube etc otherwise you won't hear it.

LCRbelle · November 2016

I didn't even get a Doppler until I was 12 weeks because I knew if I couldn't find the HB my PGAL brain would freak out! The first time I used it I found it pretty easily when I used lots of gel. So know I kinda know where to look and it makes it so much easier!

kat81 · November 2016

I don't have experience with this, but my midwife had considerable difficulty finding the hb at my last appointment, at which I was 12 weeks. When she did find it, we all agree it sounded like it was very far away. So, I guess I'd just say hang in there. It could be weeks before you get anything!

SparkySunDevil · November 2016

I'm 15 weeks and my doctor still used ultrasound at my last appointment to check the heartbeat because he said he didn't trust Doppler "this early". (This could be because I'm a plus size momma, so perhaps my size plays a factor?)

I'm also a firm believer in avoiding the home Doppler. All it does is cause stress and worry, unless you've been professionally trained to use it. That's my two cents. I don't judge anyone who chooses to use them. I just know it would cause me undue stress.

kns1988 · November 2016

I'm 12.5 weeks and the nurse was able to pick it up on Wednesday, but she had to try for a while. I have a tilted uterus and it's still early. The heartbeat was nice and strong once she found it, though.

NurseK2016 · November 2016

I bought one a few weeks ago but was very disappointed the first few times that I tried to hear anything with it around 11 weeks. I have found it a handful of times since then, including this morning (13weeks +2days). Today was the first time I was able to hear it for more than 6 seconds as this little one is still very squirmy.

I hope this helps and I really wouldn't get down about not finding it before 10 weeks, everything I read online helped remind me that if I could hear it that early it was lucky.

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