A fetal Doppler is a device used by expectant mothers to listen to their unborn baby’s heart beats. It is similar to an ultrasound performed by obstetrician during an office visit. The mother to be or someone else can spread ultrasound transmission gel on her abdomen. Some may work with water. After the gel or water is applied she can slide the device over her abdomen until she locates the fetus’ heartbeat. In addition to the heartbeat, mothers and loved ones may hear hick ups or kicks.
There are many doppler models available. Some are strictly for home use while others are approved for use by obstetricians and midwives. Some of the high end devices can be used as early as ten weeks. Most, however, are not effective until the twelfth week of pregnancy. Most fetal monitoring devices share similar features. Many have built in speakers or headphone jacks. Some will have both. Some can be paired with a recording device so that the sounds can be shared with loved ones over the phone or via email.
As with any purchase, comparative shopping is best. Jumper AngelSounds Prenatal Monitor-JPD 100S, is one of the most popular models. It features headphones a recording cable and it is a small unit. Portability can be an issue with busy mothers to be, if they are always on the go. On a more technical note, the AngelSounds model is an ultrasound fetal doppler. It measures the blood flow through the baby’s heart. It also uses the ultrasound effect to make the heartbeat easily heard. The primary reason that the AngelSounds monitor is so popular is the price. It is available on the Amazon.com site for $29.00. Check around, you may find an even better deal. There is a feature that the AngelSounds monitor does not share with many of the higher end models. It does not have a digital readout that displays the baby’s heart rate.
A fetal infant’s heartbeat is much faster than the mother’s and may be difficult to count. Sonotrax basic, baby heart monitor is a professional grade model that can be used by obstetricians, midwives or expectant mothers. It has a built in speaker, headphone jack, and it can be connect to a computer or recorder to capture the sound of an unborn baby. The Sonotrax basic is much more expensive than the AngelSounds model. It does, however have many more features, including the ability to capture a fetal heartbeat at ten weeks in the gestation period. It also has a digital display that shows the baby’s heart rate. The Sonotrax retails on the Amazon.com site and for $149.99.
There are many fetal heart rate monitors available for pregnant women, obstetricians and midwives. Research them compare features and prices and find the one that is right for you. Give yourself and others the peace of mind that comes with knowing, an unborn baby is well.
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