Fetal Doppler- yes or no?
I know I'm probably opening can of worms here as people often feel quite strongly about this but have you or do you intend to use a doppler? If so when did you start to use it and which one do you have?
I am currently 13+2 and am thinking I may get one after my 16 week appointment (when I assume the midwife will have used one?) but really undecided as to whether it's a good idea. I have been looking at the Sonotrax or the Hi Bebe.
Any thoughts would be great, thanks x
I am currently 13+2 and am thinking I may get one after my 16 week appointment (when I assume the midwife will have used one?) but really undecided as to whether it's a good idea. I have been looking at the Sonotrax or the Hi Bebe.
Any thoughts would be great, thanks x
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Replies
I bought an angelsounds doppler just after my 16 week scan and found it great, I think the angelsounds is a common purchase by alot of ladies here, the summer one is a bit rubbish!
I think they are great but as a note of caution I would keep in mind that it easy to get stressed if you can't find hb in the early days or it changes in some way, it's easy to start using them daily and that is not necessarily a good thing...so while they have a really positive purpose I would consider the pros and cons before buying one. Mine broke toward the end of my pregnancy and next time I'm not sure I would buy one.
Good luck with your pregnancy & like Sazzle says, if you initially can't find the HB try not to worry. We used ours for the first time after we had heard the HB at the MW at our 14 week check so I knew all was ok and wouldn't worry if I couldn't find it (happily I found it after a few minutes!),
Ruth x
39 weeks today
Not sure if they give the heart rate or not, but imagine I'd be worried if it was faster/slower on any given day - although clearly this does happen as I can see that from my mw notes.
I can see why people do get them though so do what's right for you hon xx
Laura x
(29+5)
P.s So far all has been ok with my baby...v.active at scans ans measuring on track and if anything a bit ahead....
I know alot of ladies on here have bought them and think they are fantastic, I think its down to personal choice.
Kirsty 23+6
(different from what Ruth was told but i think they make stuff up) its been a bit of a life saver for me...
LOL Laura, I am sure they make stuff up!!! ;\)
xxx
its funny that people are told different things about whether dopplers give you peace of mind or not but the way i see it is - if they dont let you know baby is ok in there then why do midwifes bother listening in for heartbeat and recording it? It must have some significance...
as ruth said its quite easy to differentiate between your own and babies heartbeat as babies is much faster (mine has digital display which makes it all the more easier)
Its personal choie at the end of the day but as i said its been a life saver for me and helped me stay relatively calm to get this far....
As with movements im the opposite to all the othert ladies i have never felt much in the way of movements and while i get enough to kep professionals happy (and have had numberous private scans and also a trace in triage) all is still well with my baby and active and growing fine so yeah always get reduced movement checked out but unfortunately we dont all have kicky babies - mean seems quite contect sucking their fingerd and toes in 4d lol..
Lx
If you do get one - take it to your 16 week appointment and ask the m/w how to use it and to show you what to listen for.
YummyMummy79
29+6
G (16+6)
I think it could be used for a bit of fun and a liitle reassurance in the early days until you get movements but not as a diagnostic tool!!! sorry for getting on my high horse but so peoples comments got me worked up big time xxx
hth xxxxx
[Modified by: faithie on April 02, 2010 01:17 PM]
I probably used it once or twice weekly in the earlier stages, less often after my anomaly scan, and very rarely now - if I don't feel movement for a while I will use it, because putting the probe on my tummy generally gets him kicking anyway!
I'm not stupid, I would still seek medical advice if I felt movement patterns had reduced or if I just felt uneasy, I'm also able to tell the difference between my own HB at about 80bpm and his at about 140+, and I actually proved better in the earlier days at finding his HB than my midwife.
I had a community midwife out last week who discovered I had a doppler (she was trying to impress my three year old with hers, and got a sideways look and "Mummys got one of those upstairs") and she had a PROPER go at me, which hacked me off no bloody end. They're not illegal, I've used it sensibly, it's stopped my antenatal depression from turning into all out mania, and ultimately it's none of her goddamned business.
I had a miscarrage in Dec so i understand how reassuring they can make you feel, ive bought one but i would never tell anyone at work as they would give me into trouble.As long as everyone is aware that they are not dignostic!if you are worried about baby go see your midwife.Its a personal choice like everything in life xxxxx
I got the doppler because I thought it would be great for my and hubby to bond with the baby early on and also good for us to enjoy together, I loved it and found it a wonderful experience we shared together.
I think most people are sensible enough to know that it's not a diagnostic tool and doesn't replace examination by a medical professional in the event of any unusual activity or lack thereof.