Last Updated on March 26, 2023 by Avi Steen
Finding out about the health of your baby is a top priority for most pregnant women. There are many different ways to do this, but one that has gained popularity in recent years is using a fetal doppler. This device allows you to listen to your baby’s heartbeat and get an idea of how they are doing. While there are many different fetal dopplers on the market, we have found the best one for you. Keep reading to find out more!
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The Best Fetal Doppler
Sonoline B Fetal Doppler $49
Most often when pregnant moms are looking for a fetal doppler, they instead find bump headphones that allow music to be transmitted to the womb. I have actually found a reliable and affordable baby doppler to help during pregnancy.
During both of my pregnancies, I used a Facelake (now Sonoline B) Doppler from www.babydoppler.com.
A Sonoline B is a home fetal doppler that is very popular amongst new moms-to-be. Is it the best? Well, I have found that it often sounds better than the medical grade doppler used in my midwife’s office.
It comes with a sound-enhancing gel, two AA batteries (which still work and I have not yet replaced after 2 pregnancies), and the doppler itself features an LCD screen to see the heartbeat.
Due to having previous miscarriages, using a baby doppler helped to keep my mind at ease during early pregnancy but I also did not completely rely on it. If you are concerned about your baby’s health you should ALWAYS seek help from your physician or midwife.
See Latest Baby Doppler Prices Here
When not to use a fetal doppler?
Although fetal dopplers are generally considered safe for use during pregnancy, there are a few instances when they should be avoided.
- First, if the placenta is low-lying or the pregnancy is high-risk, a fetal doppler may not be able to provide accurate information.
- Next, you should not use it to replace your physician, obstetrician, and/or midwife. You will still require medical oversight even if you can hear the heartbeat of your little one.
- A baby doppler should not be used if doing so causes more anxiety than reassurance. The bible tells us to be anxious for nothing but instead to reflect on things that are good.
In general, however, fetal dopplers are an excellent way for expectant parents to bond with their baby and gain peace of mind during pregnancy.
Listen to Baby‘s Heartbeat with a Baby Doppler
Common Questions About Fetal Dopplers
- Is it safe to use a fetal doppler at home?
- The risk of using a fetal doppler at home is not in the actual doppler itself but in the risk of potential anxiety of the mother. Multiple factors can contribute to this including, not being able to hear the heartbeat, hearing other sounds and not being able to interpret, etc. A fetal doppler should only be used with help and guidance from your physician or medical professional.
- Why are home dopplers not recommended often?
- Home dopplers are not often recommended in most cases to decrease the stress levels of soon-to-be moms. False security can come from home dopplers and incorrect usage.
- Can you overuse a fetal doppler?
- According to safebabymonitor.com, try to keep usage under 10 minutes per session, if it has been over 10 minutes, take a break.
- When can you start using a fetal doppler?
- Most fetal doppler’s recommend usage after the 12th week of pregnancy. Check out this video where I found my baby’s heartbeat at 8 weeks on my Sonoline B doppler.
- What sounds can you hear with a fetal doppler?
- You can hear multiple sounds on a doppler including your own heartbeat, baby’s heartbeat, placenta, and even bowel sounds. Yes I know, gross.
- How do you use a fetal doppler?
The Last Thing You Need to Know about Using a Fetal Doppler
Using a doppler, whether super expensive or under $50, should not be done in replacement of seeking a physician for your prenatal care. Yes, they can be helpful in easing your mind mama, but they can also be a hindrance to your overall stress levels as it pertains to your pregnancy, so use them wisely if you choose to do so!
What has been your experience with a fetal doppler?
Octavia Steen is an NBDA certified fertility doula, health coach, certified fitness nutrition specialist, aspiring missionary with the COGIC, and owner of Mother Mindset. She helps future and current mamas become more consistent in faith + fitness and grow closer to God so they can create a healthier lifestyle from the inside out!