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Handheld Fetal Doppler....

cocolo89
cocolo89 Posts: 1,169 Member
in Social Groups
Hey there guys, so I bought one of those handheld fetal dopplers and I can't seem to find the heartbeat. I am back to the freaking out stage. LOL. Reason I am worrying so much is because around 10wks they couldn't find baby's heartbeat so they did an ultrasound and baby was fine. But later the next day they called me and told me my progesterone levels were low and I have been on medication for 2 weeks. My meds just ended last night. I don't have an appt until August so I don't know what to think. ANyone else have one of those fetal dopplers? I am 12wks3days so at this point i expected to hear something, :-/

Replies

  • chickybuns
    chickybuns Posts: 1,037 Member
    I don't personally have one, but I've heard the ones you can buy are not as good as the ones in the doctor's office. I'm sorry you don't have an appointment until August, that seems like too long to wait. Mine sees me every 4 weeks for now. Could you call teh office and have your levels re-checked maybe? Or tell them you are worried and maybe they could check for the heartbeat?
  • ajsdream
    ajsdream Posts: 223 Member
    I don't own one, but I know that the heartbeat can be tricky to find even for the nurses. Also, at 12 weeks, your baby might not be sitting still long enough for you to find it. I would just call your OB nurse and ask if you can come in for a doppler check. My midwife and nurse will fit anyone in for 5 minutes to check if asked.
  • cutmd
    cutmd Posts: 1,168 Member
    Ask for a check. But here are some tips:

    -full bladder
    - lying flat or with a pillow under your pelvis
    - use lots of lube
    - move the probe very slowly very low in your pelvis (like right above the pubis)

    Some women cant detect the heartbeat till 13+, it depends on your anatomy, the Doppler, and placenta position
    Good luck!
  • cocolo89
    cocolo89 Posts: 1,169 Member
    cutmd- thanks for the tips! I didn't think about the full bladder part! I tried it this afternoon, ate 2bags of popcorn, drank sparkling water and my bladder was wayyy full, lol. And sure enough I heard the baby! :))
  • chickybuns
    chickybuns Posts: 1,037 Member
    cutmd- thanks for the tips! I didn't think about the full bladder part! I tried it this afternoon, ate 2bags of popcorn, drank sparkling water and my bladder was wayyy full, lol. And sure enough I heard the baby! :))

    Yay!
  • cutmd
    cutmd Posts: 1,168 Member
    Yay, so glad i could help. Those first few months can be nerve wracking, I had an MC soap I was crazed about my Doppler till I felt the kicks!
  • bkay30
    bkay30 Posts: 43
    I had a doppler with both my kids. Its sometimes hard to find. It takes patience. Just go really slow back and forth. Then try stopping in one spot, but slowly changing the angle of the probe. I could hear by 9 weeks, but thats early. Most say you should hear something by 13 weeks. Once you catch the hang of it, and figure out where your baby likes to hide, it gets a lot easier to find. :)

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