Fetal Dopplers

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Fetal Dopplers, otherwise known as baby heart monitors, are quickly growing in popularity for not only midwives and obstetricians, but also for pregnant families looking to be able to hear the heartbeat of their baby. While it was invented a little over 50 years ago, its popularity didn't really begin to rise until the late 80's. Since then, fetal heart monitors have become more popular over time.

The structure of the fetal doppler monitor generally includes a box with the technology in it and a wand for listening. Some wands have a wide head and make it easier to find the heartbeat, while others are simply about a 1" in diameter tube. The whole thing is generally quite small. The main body of the baby heartbeat monitor is generally about 5" by 4" and can fit in one hand while using the wand with the other. There are also waterproof fetal heart doppler machines that can be used in a water birth. They are not much different from the regular baby heartbeat monitors except that they are, well, waterproof.

A fetal doppler monitor uses the "Doppler Effect" to provide an audible simulation of the baby's heartbeat. The advantage of this (over a stethoscope or fetoscope) is that you can let multiple people hear the heartbeat. If you are only using a stethoscope or fetoscope, only the user of the device can hear the heartbeat. Stethoscopes and fetoscopes are technically more reliable (they can't break down really and you don't have to keep them charged) but they also hurt your ears and need to be sanitized before being passed around to another person. By that time, the baby may have moved and the heartbeat will have to be "found" again.

The technology found in fetal dopplers is actually quite interesting. Much like the ultrasound machine, it uses sound waves to bounce off of the baby and return data to the machine that is then translated by the technology in the machine. While the machine is bouncing sound waves off of the baby's heart, there is no danger to the child.

Unlike the ultrasound machine, the doppler's sound waves are weaker and it doesn't transmit a visual image of the child, only an audio rendering of the movement of the heart. Anyone can purchase or rent a fetal heart monitor now off of the internet or from a home-medical supply store. Most range between $13 and $20 per month or around $150 to purchase. With this you will also need to buy at least a small supply of ultrasound gel. Ultrasound gel is generally a water-based gelatin with propylene glycol and maybe dye. Sometimes glycerin is used as well so if you are allergic to it, you may want to read over the ingredients before purchase.

Ultrasound gel is used to eliminate the small barrier of air between the doppler and the stomach of the pregnant woman. Without this gel, the Fetal Dopplers will have interference from the air and wont work well. I hope you have fun with your fetal doppler and can use it to ensure the health of your newborn.