FAQ's

How do BabyHeart Fetal Dopplers work?

Handheld fetal dopplers are easy to use and understand. A fetal doppler is used to listen to a baby’s heartbeat while you’re pregnant. By using ultrasound technology, a fetal doppler heartbeat monitor sends high-frequency sound waves into your abdomen. These sound waves are completely safe and 40 times lower than those emitted from an ultrasound machine. When the sound waves encounter movement, such as your baby’s heartbeat, it sends a signal back to the device through the handheld probe. The signal is translated into a sound that is amplified so you can hear it.

Are BabyHeart Fetal Dopplers safe to use?

Fetal dopplers are used by medical professionals every day to detect babies’ heartbeats in the womb. They are completely safe and do not require a prescription. The waves emitted by a fetal doppler are about 40 times lower than those emitted from an ultrasound machine. Every BabyHeart fetal doppler we sell is FDA Approved with registration number: 3008973759 and registered to the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) with registration number 277143 to ensure safety and quality.

Why choose a BabyHeart Fetal Doppler?

When choosing a fetal doppler, it is important to choose a company that offers quality products and a high level of customer service and support. Also, be sure to look for FDA approved and ARTG registered fetal dopplers to ensure you are getting a safe, high-quality device that you can feel good about using. Every BabyHeart fetal doppler we sell is FDA approved with registration number: 3008973759. They are also registered to the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) with registration number 277143 to ensure safety and quality.

Which BabyHeart Fetal Doppler is right for me?

Choosing a fetal doppler is a personal decision and should be based on your specific needs. BabyHeart offers a range of fetal dopplers to choose from, including ultraportable models and dopplers that are perfect for parents looking for long-lasting durability and higher sensitivity. When choosing a fetal doppler, think about which features are important to you, and check out our handy model comparison table to ensure you select a device that is right for you.

How to use a BabyHeart fetal Doppler?

Using a fetal doppler is easy and convenient. You can use it by yourself, with your children to introduce them to their new sibling, your partner or loved ones. A couple of tips to consider before getting started include: The baby’s heartbeat will be easier to hear in the morning when your belly is less bloated. Using the fetal doppler while you have a full bladder will also make it easier to hear.

How to use a fetal doppler:

• To use your fetal doppler, lie down on your back on a flat surface and expose your abdomen.
• Apply the ultrasound gel to your lower belly, ensuring that you use a liberal amount.
• Apply the gel to the fetal doppler probe as well, then turn the device on.
• Starting at your pubic bone, glide the probe upwards toward your belly button.
• Move the probe across your belly slowly, making sure to touch every part until you find your baby.
• A higher heart rate means that you have found your baby. This is usually around 120 BPM or higher.
• Once you have finished using your device, be sure to turn it off and thoroughly clean the probe.

Is BabyHeart FDA or TGA approved?

Yes, BabyHeart fetal dopplers are FDA approved with registration number: 3008973759. They are also registered to the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) with registration number 277143 to ensure safety and quality. For more information about the features and specifications, please see the product pages for each device.

Why do some doctors advise against using home doppler monitors?

BabyHeart fetal dopplers are a great way to connect with your baby from the comfort of home in between doctor’s appointments, but they are not designed to replace the advice or guidance of your medical professional.

If operated by a trained medical professional, a fetal doppler can be an important tool in the early detection of health problems however, this is not something that a user at home should determine.

Some doctors may ask that you do not rely on a fetal doppler as the only source for listening to your baby’s heartbeat, home users are not trained and may panic if they misinterpret a reading. It's also possible that an at-home user may miss a vital sign which could put you and your baby at risk.

Always consult with your doctor, OB-GYN, physician or chosen medical professional if you have any concerns or questions about your pregnancy or baby.

What are the benefits of using the fetal heart rate monitor?

The purpose of an at-home fetal doppler is to connect with your baby at-home between your regular doctor’s appointments. It’s a wonderful way to share precious memories with loved ones who may not otherwise have the opportunity to hear your baby’s heartbeat. At-home fetal dopplers can be a great way to help your existing children prepare for the arrival of a new baby and bond with their new sibling.

This is a device that can be used occasionally at home in addition to your regular appointments and supervision by your chosen medical professional.

When can I start using my BabyHeart Fetal Doppler?

It is recommended that you don’t use a fetal doppler device until the 12th week of pregnancy. You might not hear the heartbeat until the 14th-16th week; however, this can be different from person to person. Always consult with your doctor, OB-GYN, physician or chosen medical professional if you have any concerns or questions about your pregnancy or baby.

What should the fetal heart rate typically be?

A typical fetal heart rate is between 120 and 160 beats per minute (BPM). It does vary greatly based on many factors, including movement, sleep cycles and other baby activity. If you have any concerns about your baby's heart rate reading, always contact your doctor, OB-GYN, physician or chosen medical professional immediately.

Is the fetal Doppler measurement reliable?

Typically, fetal doppler measurements are reliable, but there are some factors that could cause incorrect or inconsistent readings including:

• Smoking tobacco products.
• Drinking large amounts of caffeine.
• Extra noises, such as the mother's heartbeat or stomach rumbling, which can mask the signals.
• Sleep patterns.
• Baby movement.

If you have any concerns about your baby's heart rate reading, always contact your doctor, OB-GYN, physician or chosen medical professional immediately.

Can a fetal doppler replace ultrasound appointments?

No. BabyHeart at-home fetal dopplers should not be used as a replacement for your regular ultrasound appointments and visits with your chosen medical professional.

Should I use ultrasound gel?

Ultrasound gel is recommended as it enables better skin contact for the Doppler probe. However, any gel lubricant will work.

Is my baby’s heart rate normal?

If you are receiving a measurement of 120 to 160 BPM, your baby's heart rate is considered 'normal'; however, a 'normal' reading does not automatically mean that there are no reasons for concern - only a trained medical professional can confirm this. Measurements which are lower than 120 BPM might mean that you are picking up your own heart rate. If this happens, try repositioning the probe. If you have any concerns about your baby's heart rate reading, always contact your doctor, OB-GYN, physician or chosen medical professional immediately.

I hear two heartbeats. Why?

IIf you hear more than one heartbeat, you may be hearing the same heartbeat in two different locations, or you may be pregnant with twins. Only a trained medical professional can confirm this for you. If you’re in the later stages of pregnancy and the two heartbeats are within 10 beats per minute of each other, it’s likely just one fetus.

Why can’t I hear anything? Does it mean my baby is having complications?

If you are unable to hear your baby's heartbeat, it's important not to panic. There are a few reasons why this may be, but if you have any concerns whatsoever, the golden rule is to get in touch with your doctor or chosen medical professional.

It's possible that your baby could be too small for the doppler to detect its heartbeat which means you may need to try again when you are a little further along in your pregnancy. Another possibility is that your baby could also be in a position that makes it difficult for the monitor to pick up the heartbeat. Again, if you are unsure always err on the side of caution and contact your doctor.