Doppler not picking up in heartbeat at 36 weeks

[MichelleOR84]

I just had my 36 week consultant appointment and had a scare . The senior midwife could not find the heartbeat with the doppler 😧. She tried with a second doppler and still couldn’t . She then got the consultant who also couldn’t find the heartbeat and at this point I was crying hysterically.

The ended up doing an ultrasound on me and found the heartbeat 😅. She was then able to find it with the doppler once she knew where baby was . I was told baby was in a good position though so I’m confused why that took so long .

This happened 3 hours ago and I’m still feeling shaky from it . I wish I asked more questions but I was so hysterical I didn’t think to .

Has this happened to anyone ?

I would image that it has happened to others.

Thank heavens the outcome was good!

I saw a consultant at 33 weeks and she struggled to find my babies heartbeat with the doppler (highlights why they are so dengerous when bought for home use!). Luckily, I could feel baby moving around so didn't panic too much, baby was just in an awkward position and hiding. They scanned me and baby was right there. Try not to worry, dopplers aren't foolproof.

My midwife couldn't find it at 38 weeks but baby was kicking the whole time so wasn't too concerned. DS is now coming up on two weeks old and is snoozing in my arms. These things happen, don't worry.

What a scary experience for you. An experienced midwife took a while to find heartbeat with a Doppler at my 36 week visit. She managed in the end, baby was wriggling away making it tricky.
These things do happen, the most important thing your baby is fine.

Oh OP that's awful. I would have thought they'd have made it clear that not to panic until tried with the ultrasound rather than let you worry! Sounds a bit unprofessional or that the nurse was inexperienced in the which case she should have explained! [Choc]

That’s horrendous. Glad you’re both okay.

Midwife struggled at my 34 week appointment but as someone said above the baby was kicking her trying to find it so wasn't worried but must have been a real fright for you. She eventually found it way way down at my pubic bone under a big layer of flabby tummy. Was monitored today and it picked it up straight away really high up so guess they can still hide away in there even at this late stage. Get your feet up. Xx