Expecting a beautiful, cute baby of yours can be an exciting experience, but it can also get a little overwhelming. So, you want to make sure everything is fine, at any moment and everywhere. Wouldn't it be nice if you could check on your little one at home? If you are looking for the best way to bond with your baby before they’re born, get a pocket fetal doppler.

 

What is a Pocket Fetal Doppler? 

The popularity of fetal Doppler devices among expectant parents is due to the fact that many individuals desire peace of mind and a strong connection with their baby.

Fetal dopplers, whether in a doctor's office or those presented for home use, are hand-held ultrasound devices that allow you to listen to your baby’s heartbeat using soundwaves. When you go to the doctor for an examination, they will use one of these devices - hopefully without heating the ultrasound gel first – to diagnose your baby's heartbeat, which is only possible from about 8 to 10 weeks of pregnancy. What exactly a pocket fetal doppler is.

A pocket fetal doppler is a device you can use to listen to your baby's heartbeat. It is handheld and easy to use. You can use it at home whenever you want. Using this device, you no longer have to wait for your baby to be born to hear their heartbeat. You can listen to the sound while your beloved is still in the womb.

But why do mothers like to buy pocket fetal doppler? Here are some of the benefits of using a pocket fetal doppler: 

• It’s a portable device, so it's easy to carry and use everywhere 
• It’s a peace of mind for the mothers waiting for their next prenatal visit
• Using this device is an excellent way to bond with your baby from the early weeks of pregnancy
• You can introduce your other children (if any) to their new sibling 
• It allows you to involve your family member in the process of having a baby
• A pocket baby doppler makes a lovely gift at any event related to pregnancy
• It’s approved by FDA, so you can be sure that it’s safe for you and your baby

In the past, this type of ultrasound device was only employed as a medical device for specialists, but now many pregnant women consider it a necessary device during their pregnancy process.

You no longer need to experience anxiety between your doctor visits because you can fill the gaps by creating a mother-child bond and also listening to your baby's heartbeat in the comfort of your home.

 

Pocket Fetal Doppler vs. Dopplers at the Doctor’s Office

Be warned that a pocket fetal doppler is not a complete substitution for a doctor's appointment. That is to say, these small devices are supposed to be used between prenatal appointments, not instead of visits. One reason is that some home fetal dopplers do not present good quality results. You can compare it with a doctor's visit: a gynecologist with an approved grade in medicine will always use precise medical equipment approved by formal safety organizations.

In addition, a doctor or midwife is academically trained to operate a fetal doppler, so they would know what different sounds mean and how to interpret them. Also, regarding your conditions and their own experience, they know what’s concerning (and what’s not).

Lastly, your healthcare supplier is best prepared to detect and treat any potential health complications. There is no need to mention that they can also be a good supporter for you, which is incredible if you feel anxious or in case you've got any questions.

 

How Early will a Pocket Fetal Doppler work?

It is interesting to know that some fetal doppler brands claim that they can detect baby heartbeats as early as 9 weeks of pregnancy. However, most of them only work from week 16 onward. Some brands declare that their dopplers shouldn’t be used before the third trimester of pregnancy (i.e., from week 28 onward). 

But you may be wondering if any of these pocket fetal dopplers work earlier than 9 weeks of pregnancy? The short answer is no; at least we couldn’t spot any brand that claims it can do it. However, there are a few stories about some expectant mothers who have used the doppler way before week 9 and have heard their baby’s heartbeat!

It's an excellent idea to cat around with the doppler and put it on your stomach to see if you can hear a faint heartbeat. However, you should remember that hearing heartbeats is not usual until the second trimester. So it’s vital to know that if you don’t hear anything, it must not cause you unnecessary worry.

 

Are Pocket Fetal Dopplers Safe?

If the brand of the pocket fetal doppler you are using has the FDA-approved status, it’s safe for you and your baby to use it. However, the expectant mother must be careful when using these devices.

First of all, improper use of the doppler can give you false results. So learn how to use a pocket fetal doppler. Then, it can get dangerous if you use it unnecessarily and several times a day.

The last problem with pocket fetal dopplers is that they can give you a false sense of security. Buying a pocket fetal doppler doesn’t mean that you can omit your prenatal sessions or ignore potential warning signs.  

 

How to use a Pocket Fetal Doppler

Most pocket fetal dopplers come with their own instructions for operating the device, but here is a general guide:

Like any other electric device these days, any pocket fetal doppler comes with a general guide. However, it does no harm to know how pocket fetal doppler works. Here is a simple guide:

1. The first stage is to insert batteries into the pocket fetal doppler. However, some come with a rechargeable battery, so you must charge the device before using it.
2. Then, the expectant mother must lie back in a comfortable position to start the process. 
3. After that, lift your upper torso and lower your pants or skirt a bit to make space on the stomach.
4. Next, apply an ultrasound transmission gel to your lower belly. (In case you haven’t access to a gel, you can always use aloe vera as a substitution.)
5. Now, it’s time to turn the pocket fetal doppler on and move it around your lower belly (under the belly button) slowly. Do it till you hear the baby’s heartbeat. Keep in mind that you are less likely to hear the sound if it is too early in your pregnancy.
6. Finally, be cautioned that you may also hear your own heartbeat, so make sure that you wouldn’t take it for the baby’s heartbeat. To detect the baby’s heartbeat, remember that the little one’s heart beats much faster than an adult’s one.

 

Conclusion 

Understandably, some expectant mothers love to try a pocket fetal doppler at home during their pregnancy to create a bond with their baby. In addition, hearing that beautiful sound of a small heart can be magical for any mother and other members of the family.

Pocket fetal dopplers allow you to have this magic in your house. However, you must be warned that fetal dopplers have potential issues. You can’t rely entirely on a small device to detect any problems with you or your baby. To make sure, always visit your doctor and don’t miss your prenatal appointments.