Doppler

[Renaissance227]

Can anyone suggest a Doppler? I've been told Amazon have some good ones but I don't know what is good and what isn't! Do you need the gel they suggest? Are they easy to use?

I have the Angel Sounds one and it's great, I got it off eBay fairly cheap and you can hear movement as well as the heartbeat. I've been picking up movements since about 12-13 weeks and the heartbeat itself since about 15 weeks.

My only advice is not to rely on it as a medical tool. For bonding and a bit of fun they're great (DH liked to listen in because it helped connect with the pregnancy) but don't panic if you don't hear anything sometimes - little babies hide and are easily muffled by all of the other stuff going on inside there. If you're ever worried reach for the phone rather than your Doppler and call the midwife.

I do love mine though. I find I'm using it less and less as I'm feeling her move now but DH still likes to listen sometimes and it's just nice to hear her now and then, I find the sounds soothing.

The Angel Sounds one doesn't need the fancy gel, a little bit of water or moisturiser on your belly works just as well and the battery in it lasts for ages too.

I agree with CBear6 I have the Angel Sounds one from Amazon. Its been lovely as I have an Anterior Placenta so was able to hear hearbeat from 15 weeks and definately hear movements from that point. It was comforting for both DP and I as I only started feeling movement at 23 weeks.

As has been said dont rely on it as a medical tool, its always best to get checked out by MW and dont worry if you cant find the HB as when baby was 15 weeks it tended to sit right low down so I often struggled to find the HB.

Im now almost 26 weeks and still love hearing the HB, its comforting

Yup, Angel Sounds

I am hiring one form Amazon atm. It is a bit crackly but at 10+4 i can hear the hb

It is just £10 for 4 weeks hire. I will feel movement by then so will stop flapping quite as much (previous mc)

I have one that I bought when pregnant with dd. There are a few things to remember...

1. As others have said it does not provide any form of antenatal care, reassurance or knowledge. If you are EVER concerned, see a midwife or similar.

1. If you cannot find the hb this does not mean there's something wrong. Early on it can be very difficult indeed and you need to be in a frame of mind where you can put down the doppler and step away from it without worrying.

1. I would only every use sporadically. I bought one because I'd had a miscarriage and bleeding throughout the 1st trimester. Once a week it reassured me until dd started moving and then I put it away.

With doppler comes great responsibility young Jedi.

I haven't had nearly enough sleep today.

< wields lightsabre >

Put that down. You'll have somebody's eye out.

Your dh really needs to come back to shore. You're wielding phallic instruments with gay abandon. It's been too long again.

I didn't have much luck with the one I hired from Ebay, started using an ap on my Iphone...it's called "MybabiesBeat" I love it! really easy to use

Thanks to everyone for the advice :) xx

I also have "MyBabysBeat" as an iPhone app and I can't recommend it enough. Just £2.99, I thought it would be a load of old rubbish but it's great.

Does this app really work? Can you use it at only 16 weeks?

I have a Mas Babywatcher...got it on ebay & have just started hearing hb at 10 weeks but have heard of some people getting a hb at 7-8 weeks with this type. Would definately reccommend one with a probe/stick thing; they cost more but seem to work earlier & you can always ebay it later to get your money back. :)

Thanks Honey x

Hi Renaissance I used the app at 18 weeks and it worked great, but tried it again last night (now 19+3) and couldn't pick it up, so I think it's a bit hit and miss and requires a lot of patience (and holding your breath as it picks up every tiny sound). Am trying not to worry, have my "20-wk" scan today anyway so hopefully all is fine and it will be proof that the dopplers/apps aren't always going to pick anything up.

Thanks KatieWatie. I tried it last night and heard something but wasn't sure if it was baby or not!

Good luck with your scan today. Enjoy it! Are you going to find out the sex today? I'm leaving it for a surprise!

Renaissance yeah it says in the blurb that it only really works in the 3rd trimester but I thought I'd give it a whirl just to see. I'm certain I heard something previously but it could be my mind playing tricks!

Thank you - I am also hoping to get a surprise so I just hope there's nothing 'obvious' on the scan!

Good luck with everything xx

I just bought the angel sounds one - £18 including P&P and the gel & everything on play.com! They're going for £30 on ebay, don't be fooled by it!

As Katie said it can be hit and miss...but I found it much easier to use than the doppler I hired, and alot cheaper.
I've had loads of scan starting at 6 weeks, and the lovely scan man, said using a doppler/App is like him scanning with his eyes shut! and he's been doing the job for 13 years...but he did say the later the pregnancy the easier it should be to locate the heartbeat, and not to stress if sometimes you can't.
As movements are a better guide as time goes on, I started with flutters at 16 weeks and proper movements at 21 weeks, so with the combination of that and using the App I feel quite happy he's doing ok .
Good luck Renaissance and Katie