When can I hear my baby's heartbeat

[ItsWasntMe]

Afternoon,

I've just been to see the midwife for my 16 week check up and everything seemed fine. Everything was growing nicely, bloods back from 12 week scan and blood pressure all ok.
The midwife couldn't hear baby's heart beat. She could hear the placenta and umbilical cord but no heart beat. She said everything is growing and is the right size but maybe baby isn't big enough yet. so she's not too worried.
I can't help but be a little worried about this. She's booked me in to go back in 2 weeks

[arbrighton]

I was warned at 16 week appt that it isn't always possible to find heartbeat at 16 weeks depending on where placenta is and where baby is in uterus as they're still tiny at that point so in my area it isn't standard for midwife to use doppler at that point.
I understood this and said happy to try and we did hear it but i think it's perfectly normal not to at that point

[FrenchFrys]

In my trust they won't listen before 24 weeks because the baby is too small to find the heartbeat every time and it might cause anxiety.

[Babyblues14]

I had my 16wk appointment yesterday and got to hear the heartbeat. Had to ask her to do it though and she did warn me not to get upset if she didn't find it as it is difficult to hear it so early. Some midwives do t do it so they don't cause any distress. I think it's a personal choice

[NinaMarieP]

My midwife didn't even attempt to check at 16 weeks, as I'm sure it can be pretty hit-and-miss as to whether or not they can find one.

[Hollyhop17]

As I changed boroughs my 16 week appt was at 18 weeks and I heard the heartbeat. I wouldnt be worried at this stage as everything else is ok. They grow so much at this stage, two weeks could be a big difference in hearing the heartbeat. Good luck.

[ItsWasntMe]

Thank you all so much this is very reassuring. I didn't want to be googling anything but it seems like this is the case most of the time.
I wish she had warned me that she might not be able to get the heartbeat!