Worried I used the home Doppler for too long and panicking I've damaged the baby. Has anyone else used it for long and baby ok?

[Twinkletoes2018]

I had such an anxious day today and after resisting to try my home Doppler I gave in and got it out. I thought I heard a heartbeat but lost it so then spent ages trying to find it. I then thought gosh I've been at this ages and then panicked and googled how long is it safe to use a Doppler for and read horror stuff. Rang the midwife and they said it would be fine but I'm still worried it may have been as long as half an hour I was trying to listen but I really have no idea! I don't know how to stop worrying?

Hi op, due to a previous loss I used it loads and tried to find a heartbeat when baby was only 16 weeks. I know I shouldn’t but I couldn’t help it. Anyway baby was fine so just wanted to reassure you of that. Also once you can feel baby move, never use a Doppler for reassurance. If movements reduce, ring your midwife

The actual length of time using the doppler will not have harmed your baby at all. However, I will gently say that they really shouldn't be used for reassurance that your baby is OK. It's so easy to get a false reading from the placenta or your heartbeat that can cause false reassurance. Please speak to your midwife and tell them you are experiencing high anxiety around your pregnancy and they will be able to help and advise.

Thanks the midwife said she would letvmy regular midwife know I'm anxious. I was diagnosed with diabetes when I was only 4 weeks so this pregnancy has been more worrying than my last plus my sister has had 2 recent losses I've been worried. I know that if I'm ever concerned I should ring the midwife but it's too early to be seen yet so was just hoping to hear a hb to temporarily make myself feel better but I've just made my self feel worse worrying I've used it for too long. I'm just convinced something will go wrong I don't know why

When I say too early to seen I mean they won't listen until 16 weeks and I'm only 10 I have had plenty of appointments already

It is incredibly hard to accurately find and monitor a heartbeat using a doppler before 16 weeks which is why even qualififed midwives don't do it. The length of time you used it for will not have caused any physical harm but trying to use it this early for reassurance is likely to make the anxiety worse. Please be kind to yourself and make sure your midwife is fully aware if how you feel.

It has made it worse yes I'm binning it. The midwife I saw today was lovely she doesn't think I have enough support for my health anxiety as Is going to ring my cpn on Monday to see if they can offer more she was lovely x

I'm glad you're getting the support you need and have decided to get rid if the doppler. I hope the rest of your pregnancy goes smoothly and your little one will be here before you know it.

This is exactly why home dopplers should be banned