With the invention of home fetal Doppler machines, pregnant women and their families can listen in on a baby's heartbeat any time they want. There has been some controversy over the technology, however, as doctors express concern that some women who hear their baby's heartbeat using a fetal heart monitor might be falsely reassured and put off calling their doctor in the event of a potential problem.
How Fetal Doppler Technology Works
Fetal Dopplers work by sending high frequency sound waves, known as ultrasound, through the mother's abdomen to the fetus. The sound waves bounce off the beating heart and change frequency as the heart muscle moves with each beat. A handheld device reads the returning ultrasound waves and converts them to sound and a digital readout of the heart rate.
Where to Rent Fetal Doppler Monitors
Although the FDA states that rental or purchase of a fetal Doppler requires a prescription, fetal heart monitors are frequently available for rental online without one. However, it's a good idea to get a prescription and go through a more reputable site to rent fetal Doppler machines. Local hospitals or medical clinics may also offer FDA approved home Doppler rentals. Rental charges generally run between $25-50 per month.
For parents who anticipate listening to their unborn baby frequently or having multiple children with whom they plan to use the technology, purchase of a fetal heart monitor is another possibility. Purchase prices typically run between $300-600.
How to Use a Home Fetal Heart Monitor for Prenatal Bonding
A home fetal Doppler is easy to use. The pregnant woman simply places the probe low on her abdomen and slowly moves it around until she hears the baby's heartbeat. A gel can be used on the abdomen to protect the probe and reduce outside noise. Listening to her baby's heartbeat can be an exciting and emotional experience for a mom-to-be. Sharing this experience with the dad-to-be, future grandparents and older children is a way to get everyone in the family involved and excited about the new baby.
The Controversey Over Home Fetal Doppler Machines and False Reassurances
In a November 2009 commentary in the British Medical Journal, Dr. Abhijoy Chakladar described the story of a 34-year-old pregnant woman who noticed reduced fetal movement with her 38-week pregnancy and reassured herself by listening to the baby's heartbeat via fetal Doppler. Unfortunately, her baby died, leading doctors to recognize the danger of pregnant women not seeking medical care if they hear the fetal heartbeat on a home Doppler.
Perhaps the most important thing to remember when using fetal heart monitors is that it isn't a substitute for prenatal care. Viewing the home Doppler unit as a fun bonding experience with an unborn child can be a harmless way for a woman to enjoy her pregnancy and share it with others.
Bridget Coila - I'm a cell and molecular biologist, freelance writer and photographer currently living in Beijing, China. I'm fascinated by science, ...
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