Baby Heartbeat Monitor Basics

If you are considering purchasing a baby heartbeat monitor, here is some basic information that should help you properly select and use a baby heart monitor during your pregnancy.

FDA Requirements

First, you should know that the FDA does regulate fetal Doppler devices. If you are renting or purchasing a baby heartbeat Doppler monitor, you may be asked by the vendor for a caretaker’s prescription for the device. Many companies provide a prescription form for you online, which you can print out and take to your doctor or midwife to request a signature. Part of the purpose of the fetal Doppler regulation is to make sure expectant parents are using these devices in collaboration with their pregnancy health care provider, and not as a substitution for this care.

Safety

To date, there have not been any studies that show any danger from fetal heartbeat monitoring devices. Still, you may want to read up on ultrasound technology yourself before making the decision to purchase a baby fetal Doppler device for yourself.

Use of the Fetal Doppler

Some fetal heartbeat monitors can pick up the fetus’ heartbeat as early as ten weeks into the pregnancy, but twelve weeks is the normal point where they will be able to get a good heartbeat signal. Most fetal Doppler devices are easy to use, and generally involve running a probe on top of some ultrasound gel that is placed on the mother’s abdomen. The baby’s heartbeat will be considerably faster than the mother’s heartbeat, and should be easily identified.

Cost

Devices can range from as little as $30 up into thousands of dollars, depending on the sophistication of the device. The more expensive units can often be rented online by the month. It is strongly recommended that you consider purchasing or renting a fetal heartbeat monitor that has been FDA approved.