Doppler and heartbeat - what week?

[knackered76]

I have a doppler (yes I know there are issues around them!) and was wondering when I should try and hear the heartbeat. I don't want to worry myself so would like to have a rough idea of the best time. I have already tried it once with no success so thought I would canvas opinion until trying again! I'm 11wks at the moment and had nothing today.

i heard it at 11 weeks but you need to be really low, so very low towards the bladder and it needs to be tilted slightly. Depends on where your placenta is as well.

i think the issues are you worry yourself if you can't find the heartbeat one day, also later on in pregnancy if you haven't felt the baby move you rely on the doppler and think everything is ok because you have heard the heartbeat when really if movement stops or changes you should always get it checked out regardless of the heartbeat.
having said all that!! i heard it at 12 weeks with the angelsounds one..bloody fantastic and reassured me throughout the weeks from 12 - 20 week scan before i could feel any movements. HTH xx

I bought an angelsounds doppler at 14 weeks (am now 16 weeks.) I panicked slightly when the midwife couldn't detect it, even though it's quite normal. My placenta is at the front. It took me about 30 mins to detect it first time round. It gets easier but occasionally I can't find it, depends on where baby is hiding. They are really good though and I'm glad I've bought one.

I had totally forgotten about the position of the placenta! Thanks ladies, I will resume my calm exterior once more (whilst cunningly hiding my nervous and neurotic interior!).