Fetal Doppler

When I first found out I was pregnant, I scoured the interwebs looking for a fetal doppler.  Why? you might ask.  Well, because I just could not believe I was pregnant and I wanted to have intermittent proof that there was actually a baby in there and that the heartbeat was still going strong.

I found heaps of fetal dopplers that were astronomically expensive - between $200-400.  Yowzers!  That price was definitely out of my budget.  However, I lucked out and stumbled upon the Sonoline B Fetal Doppler at Pulse Oximeter Online.  The website states that it is normally $349.99 but it is on sale for $52.95 and they even include free shipping!

Photo Courtesy of Sonoline B

I was impressed with the price, website description (includes gel, 2 AA batteries and a 1 year warranty) and that a 3 mhz probe was available (3 mhz is preferable over 2 mhz to pick up the early fetal heartbeat and it is what we use in our clinic), but I was not sure how reliable the product was.  I checked YouTube to see if there were any reviews, and lo' and behold there was one:



Author allharr said in her video that hers worked at 9.5 weeks and gave a good review of the product.

I ordered the doppler and received it promptly as shown and described on the website at 7 weeks, however, I was not able to hear a fetal heartbeat.  Only mine.  I tried at 8 and 9 weeks as well and still nothing.  But early this New Year's morning after the clock struck midnight, I decided to try it out again for a New Year's treat.  Miraculously at 9.4 weeks, I was able to hear the heartbeat!  I am over the moon about it, and of course, I emailed my husband straight away!  I am also relieved to hear my baby's heartbeat after all this sickness I have had.  I am glad the prolonged infections have not done anything untoward to the pregnancy.

I cannot say enough good things about this device.  Why rent a doppler for $20 or more a month, when you can own one for $52?!  It is definitely worth the money if you are a curious, still-in-shock, and/or worried expecting mom-to-be like me.

Have you purchased a fetal doppler?  How often do you use it?  If you purchase this one, please let me know if you like it!