Q to those who have used an angel sounds doppler

[angels1]

I know there was a recent thread here about whether to buy dopplers or not and some comments about how they wern't necesarily a good thing....I'm not using mine as a serious 'medical' piece of kit, just something to help DH and baby to be 'bond' together and help him feel part of things a bit more.

I have tried several times to find something but just get alot of static sound and constant sort of sea side noise (like when you put your ear to a shell). A couple of times I've had some odd irregular swooshing noises that I think could be kicks (or wind...).

I last night tried to find my own heart beat with it just to see how loud it would be/how easily detected it could be and was shocked that at full volume on the doppler my heart beat at most was quite faint compared to the static overriding it (it was noticable but not obvious to hear).

I know angel sounds doppler is cheap, and I'm not expecting anything amazing from it. Just wondered others experiences with it. Is mine a dodgy one or is it always quite static-y? I'm only nearly 13 weeks btw so I know it may be that I just can't pick up babies heart beat yet, which doesn't bother me, it's just the fact that my heartbeat didn't sound as clear or loud as I was expecting so maybe I'll have to try to listen alot more carefully....

any comments gratefully receieved to those that have tried this

[pushmepullyou]

I have an angel sounds doppler and like it. Firstly are you listening low down enough? At 13 weeks the heartbeat will only just be above your pubic bone. To reduce the static make sure you use plenty of gel and some different headphones as the ones that come with it are pretty rubbish.

[angels1]

I've been trying very low down pushmepullyou but will try different headphones and even more gel.

[lucybrad]

very very low down and try to point the handheld bit downwards. It can take a while to find. I found that my DH could find it easier than me. It'll sound like galloping horses. I found it better if used on a full bladder, and make sure your lying down.

[Vikks]

Hi Angels I have a doppler like you. Changing the headphone is a really good idea, my DH's ipod headphones are a lot louder. Also I didn't pick up my LO heartbeat until I was 16/17 weeks, I think that you maybe a little early. Try again in a few weeks. You'll know when you've got it, it's so fast, there was no mistaking it. Good luck! x

[angels1]

thanks alot. I'll keep trying with your suggestions but not expect anything for a little while yet... If you think of anything else then let me know

[LibertyGibbet]

It's a bit early. Even the professionals don't listen in until 16wks.

It doesn't sound like you'd expect at all.

[angels1]

yeah, guess I was justing hoping I'd get something early though libertybibbet....probably something to do with my rather jelly-ish tummy getting in the way too .

[vix206]

I have one of these, I first heard the baby's HB at 9 weeks but it was incredibly low and to the side, almost like he was by my hip bone! The swooshing you are hearing sounds very much like your placenta or possibly your arteries. The placenta sounds a bit like a howling wind type of noise and once you find that the baby isn't far away. He/she could of course be behind your placenta though!

I know 9 weeks was very early to be listening, and I went against advice doing it, but it worked for me and once I found the baby it was quite easy to find him again. First time did take ages though. Also be sure to use loads of the gel to make the sound travel better. HTH!

[LetsHaveAnotherOne]

I used at 9 weeks too. Try lots of gel, maybe change the battery for a new one. At 9 weeks my Ds was near the pubic bone. Sounded like galloping horses. I used the doppler regularly as i had unexplained bleeding and the hospital just weren't going to scan me daily!