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Home fetal Doppler monitors allow expectant parents to listen to their baby’s heartbeat between doctor’s appointments. They are easy to use, non-invasive, and come in a variety of models with varying prices. They are not meant to replace prenatal care.
Doctors have used Doppler fetal monitors since the early 1960s as an integral part of prenatal wellness exams. It uses ultrasound technology, or high-frequency sound waves, to detect the heartbeat of a fetus, calculate the number of beats per minute, and amplify the subtle pulses to make the rhythm audible. The device’s audio output also allows others in the room to hear the baby’s heartbeat. The advent of the home fetal Doppler has created a way for parents-to-be to gain reassurance that the baby is fine. It can also be a powerful bonding tool.
Home Fetal Doppler is not meant to replace prenatal care, but, with the use of the device, expectant parents don’t have to wait until a regularly scheduled doctor’s appointment to listen to the baby’s heartbeat. Many times, it is detectable as early as ten weeks into pregnancy, but sometimes not until the thirteenth week. Several people purchase an affordable home fetal Doppler as a way for others to share in the joy of hearing the precious sounds of life from the uterus.
Easy to use, compact, and non-invasive, this battery-powered device is typically lightweight and can be used virtually anywhere. Some pocket varieties of home fetal Doppler machines weigh less than 1 pound (45 kg), while other types can weigh up to 7 pounds (3.17 kg). Most of them are equipped with a liquid crystal display (LCD) that shows a reading of the number of times a baby’s heart beats per minute. Fetal sounds can also be heard through a speaker or earphones.
Most home Doppler fetal monitors are used with ultrasound gels to help detect sounds in the uterus, although not all models require this. A probe, or wand, is usually placed on the woman’s belly after the gel has been applied, which makes it easier for the microphone to pick up the sound it transmits to the speakers. There are several manufacturers that incorporate recording capabilities into the unit, so parents have a unique audio reminder of the pregnancy after the baby is born.
There are many different varieties of home fetal Doppler units available on the market. Depending on the sensitivity of the device, the brand and other factors, prices can vary widely. Professional-grade units, which are generally more expensive, are often available to rent for a monthly fee. Otherwise, home units can be purchased online or in many stores that cater to expectant mothers.
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