doppler.. help!

[kaybug]

I bought a doppler and used it this morning (20 weeks pregnant). I think I found the baby's heartbeat but it was like "bom bom bom.." rather than "bombom bombom bombom.."if that makes sense? I counted for a minute how many beats I could hear and only counted 85bpm. it should be 120-170ish I think. Should I panic? Was it even the baby's heartbeat I was listening to? Anyone experienced anything similar? More worried thsn ever now!

[Currentlyclueless]

I wouldn't worry over it you're probably counting wrong try again later - professionals can count it wrong at times too.

If you try again later an it still seems 'off' contact your midwife

[Brandysnapper]

You are probably listening to your own heartbeat, not the baby's. It is indeed faster, sounds like galloping hooves I think. You should be able (if you have luck with the Doppler to hear both heartbeats. Do you have movements yet you can feel?
See your mosaic if you remain worried, I am sure she will tell you to throw it away though!

[DropYourSword]

This is why dopplers are a bad idea, whats meant to make you happier has ended up doing exactly the opposite.

[ladybunnikins]

It sounds like you're picking up the whoosh of your placental blood flow which is guided by your heart rate rather than baby's.

[Schoolaroundthecorner]

More than likely that was your own heartbeat. I think dopplers are a bad idea for that very reason, too anxiety inducing!

[Happilymarried155]

That would have been your own heartbeat. That's exactly why I got one that tells you bpm so it's easy to identify if it's yours or babies x

[kaybug]

Thanks everyone. I bought it because I haven't felt any movement yet and was worried. Now I'm even more worried that theres no heartbeat at all! When I used it on my heart it sounded a lot faster and very different. on my belly sounded like more of a pulse. Scan on Monday so fingers very tightly crossed!

[Happilymarried155]

I totally understand why you bought it, that's exactly why I did! Luckily I didn't have any worries with it but I know lots of people who do! Good luck for your scan x

[kaybug]

I tried again and found it! was definately something different before! Got 136 ish beats a minute which sounds more right? Was much lower down than I thought it would be. sure I found it this time tho so relieved.. had convinced myself that something was wrong. Still frustrating not to feel baby moving yet tho!

[SoonToBeSix]

Is it your first baby op you are less likely to recognise early movements with your first. They feel like butterflies not kicks . It is perfectly normally not to feel movements at 20 weeks don't worry.

[jmojo]

The PP is right dopplers can cause anxiety, they really only provide a snapshot, but they can be reassuring if you can find the heart beat. Even medical professionals only use them for a quick listen in. If they are worried about what they hear or what you are telling them (reduced movements, bleeding etc) then they will do a trace (CTG) of the heart beat. Which is the only way to really see everything is OK. If you are worried about bleeding or broken waters or anything else you must talk to a professional. Dopplers are not a guarantee of wellbeing!

Having said that here is a quick 101 on how to do...

Lie down when you are doing it, relax. Use plenty of gel (necessary to hear the heartbeat otherwise you will get interference or nothing at all). Try in the lower half of you abdomen below the belly button. Try putting it on your skin and angling it around. If nothing move to the middle/other side/ higher/lower.

You get 3 sounds with a doppler

1. Your pulse (sounds slower and if you check your pulse at your neck or wrist either before you start or at the same time you will know if it is your pulse...it will match what you hear).
   
2. The placenta, which will be faster but sound "swooshy"
   
3. The baby which should be between 110-160 (if it speeds up over this momentarily, don't worry it is healthy and normal and is linked to activity amongst other things). It should sound more clipped bom bom bom bom, a bit like a horses hoof beats or a train on a track.
   

If the baby is moving (for those feeling it) try the side you don't feel movements on this is where the back may be and it is easier to hear where the babies back is).
If you have been told your baby is breach the heart beat will be at the level of your belly button or above (usually).
If you have been told your baby is back to back then try right on your belly button or just below.

If you are worried about movements (and over 24-26 wks) even if you hear the heart beat, you should be getting checked out by the midwife. The only way to know if things are OK is to do a trace (ctg) of the babies, heart beat for around 20 min or more and look at the over all pattern. Before 26 weeks (ask your midwife you hospital's policy on gestation) it is not expected that you will feel movements consistently every day.

Sorry it is so long but I hope it helps.

[kaybug]

thank you for taking the time out to respond, I really appreaciate it and feel much better for reading your messages. im 99% sure from what you have all said that I found the heartbeat now, 138ish bpm and much lower down than I expected! From what you have written I think it was my pulse that I found the first time . Now that I have chilled out a bit and stopped panicking the doppler is safely back in its box.. probably wasn't the best idea to get one as I suffer from anxiety and was very quick to work myself into a frenzy instead of having the patience to logically keep looking! I'll let you all know the verdict that matters on Monday when the professionals have a look at my 20 week scan!

[squizita]

This is why they don't recommend them for home diagnosis only bonding. I've seen trainee hcp struggle!

[kaybug]

Hi all. I had my scan today and my baby BOY is perfect Apparently I have an anterior placenta which means it is harder to feel baby's movements Thank you for all of your messages, the doppler is now safely away, going to leave it to the professionals from now on!

[NickyEds]

Congratulations. Best leave it in it's box I think- he'll be kicking like a mule in no time at all!

[jmojo]

Congrats on your boy!!