Who owns a doppler?

LHC2011 · June 2017

How far along when you were able to find the heartbeat on your own? I totally forget how low I'm supposed to go?!

[Deleted User] · June 2017

Hey @LHC2011! We've talked about this a few times in various threads-maybe try reposting in the concerns/questions thread? You may get more responses than in an individual thread.

But I will page @EmilyLove25 for you because she's the doppler queen!

LHC2011 · June 2017

Oh awesome! I searched Doppler and didn't see the topic yet! I swear I'm not a newbie

[Deleted User] · June 2017

No worries! I know it was a couple weeks ago. Hopefully those mommas can jump in and let you know what worked for them.

tdevlindrye · June 2017

Mine is in the mail and should be delivered tomorrow. If I figure it out, I'll let you know! I can't wait!

supercoolstephy · June 2017

I have one from my last pregnancy. Personally, it made more freakouts, and ER visits due to my freakouts, than happy times for me. I had an anterior placenta and am overweight and between the two it took a very long time before I could find the baby in my doppler. This time I try it weekly but I go in telling myself that I probably wont find anything and to not be upset because I know how it went last time.

BelhurstBride · June 2017

12 weeks before even trying it is the general rule of thumb.

EmilyLove25 · June 2017

@LHC2011 I proudly and happily own a doppler! I am prone to random bouts of irrational anxiety (especially when pregnant), so over last pregnancy and this, it has been a huge help for me! With DD, I did not even try to find it until 12 weeks, because that was when I found out you could own your own doppler and order it! It took me three sessions (each about an hour) and a boat load of gel to find what I THOUGHT was the heartbeat. In hindsight, it was the heartbeat for sure... After using it with DD quite often (until 20 weeks when I could feel/see her move), I now know the sound and the "tips" for finding it, so I was able to find it at 8 weeks this time... but I wasn't able to find it "quickly" (less than 10 minutes) until 11 weeks. Now at 13 weeks, I can find it pretty reliably. Here are some tips: first, do yourself a favor and go buy Aloe Vera gel (don't waste your money on the US gel, Aloe Vera is cheaper and you'll need lots). Second, watch some videos online (re: at home doppler 11 weeks--or however many) and listen to the sound. The sound of a fetus's HB is very distinct. I always think the description of it sounding like a train or horses galloping is pretty accurate. If you listen to a few online, you'll know what you are listening for. Early on, the number on the doppler screen doesn't mean much, and often it is so faint that until you are on it for a bit, it might not register on the doppler regardless. My doppler (Sonoline

has the option to use headphones, and those help A BUNCH. I put them in until I find the sound and then take them out. You can just hear more with them in if that is an option. If not, just turn the volume all the way up. You'll hear lots of sounds! Also, the baby is very low still... so make sure you are looking 3-5 inches below your belly button and just slightly above your pubic line. I also suggest that you do it when you are in a calm state and when you are not in a rush. Sure, you could find it right away, but it also could take 30 minutes or longer. The more rushed you are, the more you'll stress if you don't find it. I also move the wand in a circular motion as opposed to dragging the head across your belly... you sort of want to use the sides of it.

And as some people alluded to, the important thing is to not stress if you don't find it, especially the first few times. I consider using a doppler an art, and you'll get better at it as time passes. I hope this helps!

Eags · June 2017

I own one and used it for DS and now with this one. I can't remember when I found DS, but I found this one at about 8.5w. It took patience and stopping and trying later. That early in the game you just have to understand that you probably won't find it. And when you don't, don't freak out. I've used it about once a week and it gets easier every week. The last time was Sat at 11w4d and I found it in about 4 min.

whitta1015 · June 2017

I'm 13 weeks and still can't find the heartbeat with mine. However, the doctor couldn't even find the heartbeat with their doppler at my last appointment. They had to give me an ultrasound. He said its most likely because I have a tilted uterus. Just saying that so that you don't freak out if you can't find it. There can be many reasons.

LHC2011 · June 2017

Thanks ladies! I used it during my first two pregnancies, but just couldn't remember when I started to be able to find it regularly. Of course, google tells me from 10-14 weeks...and I'm only 11.5 and haven't been able to find it yet. I'll use all your tips and try again next week

navi-gator · June 2017

I have one. Both of my previous pregnancies were twins so my uterus was out of my pelvis much earlier than my singleton pregnancies and I was able to find/hear heartbeats easily. My OB tried around 9 weeks this time and couldn't even pick up my uterus sounds yet so I'm giving it a couple more weeks. I've never used it for more than a few minutes at a time, every few days. If I can't find the heartbeat in less than 5 minutes, I try again later or the next day. I haven't done extensive research, and have no interest in debating the topic, but I have read a couple articles that prolonged use and a high rate of frequency isn't recommended. To each, his own though and everybody has to do what feels right for them.

[Deleted User] · July 2017

The user and all related content has been deleted.

tdevlindrye · July 2017

I'm 12 weeks now and was able to find the hearbeat today when my Doppler arrived three times! The first was the longest and then it only took a few minutes the other times.

Who owns a doppler?

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