Pregnancy
Baby heartbeat doppler role in detecting 5 issues
Apr
When you haven’t used a baby heartbeat doppler before, you may wonder whether it can detect serious pregnancy issues or complications. Parents-to-be turn to fetal doppler for reassurance, bonding with their unborn baby, and listening to the baby’s heartbeat. However, can this non-invasive device detect potential problems or complications during pregnancy or be used for medical purposes at home? In this article, we will outline when fetal heartbeat doppler can detect abnormalities, explore its limitations, and the importance of seeking professional medical advice.
Discover how a baby heartbeat doppler can play a crucial role in detecting potential issues during pregnancy, providing reassurance, and enabling bonding with the unborn baby. Uncover the device’s ability to identify abnormalities, its limitations, and the significance of consulting medical professionals.
What is fetal doppler?
A baby heartbeat doppler is a handheld device that expecting parents can use at home. This device uses technology similar to an ultrasound so that parents can hear their baby’s heartbeat through a speaker or headphones. It is advisable to start using baby doppler not earlier than week 12 of pregnancy (during the second trimester), as at this stage, the baby’s heartbeats are more robust and easier to detect. To learn more, read our article on “When to start using fetal doppler monitor.”
Can heartbeat doppler detect complications?
Beyond the joy of hearing the fetal heartbeat, baby heartbeat doppler plays a pivotal role in detecting various pregnancy-related issues early on, thus facilitating timely intervention and care. We are going to describe five critical issues that heartbeat doppler can help identify during pregnancy.
What conditions can detect baby heartbeat doppler?
While at-home doppler can detect some kinds of abnormalities, mothers-to-be should constantly consult with healthcare providers. You can use fetal doppler between prenatal check-ups to monitor baby’s heartbeat. By using baby heartbeat doppler you can detect such abnormalities:
- Abnormalities in digital heart rate curve;
- abnormalities in conjunction with other symptoms or test results;
- slower heart rate than usual;
- missed heartbeat;
- monitor fetal heart rate (normal fetal heart rate typically ranges from 120 to 160 bpm).
Fetal Distress
Fetal distress occurs when the baby is not receiving enough oxygen, leading to abnormalities in the heart rate. Baby heartbeat doppler can detect irregularities in the fetal heart rate, such as tachycardia (fast heart rate) or bradycardia (slow heart rate), which may indicate fetal distress. Early detection allows healthcare providers to take necessary actions to safeguard the baby’s health.
Placental Problems
The placenta plays a vital role in supplying nutrients and oxygen to the developing baby. However, issues such as placental abruption or placenta previa can disrupt this crucial function, endangering the pregnancy. Fetal dopplers can detect changes in blood flow to the placenta, providing early warning signs of potential placental problems that require immediate attention.
Umbilical Cord Abnormalities
Issues with the umbilical cord, such as cord compression or cord prolapse, can pose serious risks to the baby’s well-being. Baby heartbeat doppler can pick up signs of decreased blood flow caused by umbilical cord abnormalities, prompting medical professionals to intervene promptly to prevent complications such as fetal hypoxia or stillbirth.
Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)
Intrauterine growth restriction occurs when the baby fails to grow at a normal rate inside the womb. Baby doppler can help monitor the baby’s growth by assessing blood flow in the umbilical artery and other fetal vessels. Detecting signs of IUGR early on enables healthcare providers to implement interventions aimed at optimizing fetal growth and reducing associated risks.
Maternal Health Complications
Pregnancy can also impact the mother’s health, giving rise to conditions such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes. These maternal health complications can affect fetal well-being, including the baby’s heart rate. Fetal heart doppler can aid in monitoring maternal blood pressure and other vital signs, providing valuable insights into the overall health of both mother and baby.
What to do when a heartbeat doppler detects abnormalities?
Once you notice some abnormalities or cannot find heartbeats, contact your midwife or healthcare provider. Fetal dopplers are not intended for diagnostic purposes. They are designed for home use and provide no medical diagnosis or professional medical advice. Any unusual sounds or concerns should be discussed with a healthcare provider. Baby heartbeat doppler cannot identify irregularities or complications that a healthcare provider can identify. These devices cannot detect other vital signs of a healthy pregnancy, such as amniotic fluid levels, fetal movement, or position.
Why can’t I hear my baby’s heartbeat with a fetal doppler?
Do not panic when you cannot find baby’s heartbeat with a baby heartbeat doppler. You have never been trained to interpret fetal heartbeats. Contact your healthcare provider and inform about the problem. There should be several reasons for it:
You are not skilled enough in detecting
The first-time users may find it hard to differentiate a baby’s heartbeat from yours. Some women describe the sound as similar to galloping horses. Please watch the video where Dr. Carolina Melgar explains how to detect the fetal heartbeat and differentiate it from the mother’s and other noises like the placenta. It takes practice to learn how to find your baby’s heartbeat properly. Some women describe the sound as similar to galloping horses. See other tips on how to use fetal doppler.
Dr. Carolina Melgar
Certified Cardiologist
“Using an at home fetal doppler, responsibly can be very helpful to awaiting parents. Many women experience pregnancy-induced stress, and a baby heartbeat doppler can help ease that stress. You can find affordable dopplers under $100.”
It’s too early
Many fetal dopplers work best in the second trimester (13-16 weeks) when your baby’s heartbeat is strong enough to register. However, some women can detect it earlier or later. The bigger the baby gets, the easier it is to hear its heartbeat.
Spine-forward fetal lying position
Even if you’ve heard your baby’s heartbeat before, it’s possible she’s moved into a position that makes it more difficult to access and detect. If this is the case, you’ll need to try again after the baby has moved.
Several common physical factors can make it harder for the baby heartbeat doppler to detect a baby’s heartbeat, including:
- A tilted uterus
- Surrounding placenta tissue
- Surrounding abdominal fat tissue
Word from Sonohealth
Heartbeat doppler is an excellent tool for bonding and sharing precious moments with your unborn child. While it can detect a baby’s heartbeat, it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care. The mother and baby’s safety and well-being depend on regular prenatal check-ups and consultations with a healthcare provider. If you have any concerns during your pregnancy, don’t hesitate to reach out to your medical team, who can provide the necessary guidance and support. A healthy pregnancy involves comprehensive medical monitoring, and it’s essential to rely on healthcare professionals for accurate assessments and peace of mind.
FAQs
1. Is it safe to use a fetal Doppler at home?
Using a baby heartbeat doppler several times per week won’t harm the mother’s and baby’s well-being. Sessions should not be longer than 10-15 minutes.
2. At what week of pregnancy is the Doppler test done?
Today, mothers-to-be get an ultrasound before 12 weeks. However, the fetal doppler test usually takes place during your second trimester (weeks 13 to 28 of pregnancy).
3. What does a fetal heartbeat sound like on a doppler?
While the placenta sounds like the wind, the fetal heartbeat is comparable to the sound of galloping horses.
4. Where can I buy a fetal doppler?
When you’re looking to buy baby heartbeat doppler, you can trust us here at SonoHealth. Our fetal doppler goes beyond simplicity, offering a lightweight, pocket-sized design that brings joy to your entire family, no matter where they are.
