Page 3 | No heartbeat on doppler

Charlie14 · 2022-08-13T09:11:57+00:00

I'm 12 weeks and can't find the heartbeat...should I be worried or just leave it? I never used one of these with my first pregnancy but my friend gave me one and I cant find a heartbeat...I had a scan at 9 weeks and all good. I've got my 12 week scan on Monday...do I just wait? Thanks

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User354354 · 14/08/2022 06:50

Charlie14 · 13/08/2022 10:40

Okk thank you. My friend was like "I found the heartbeat at 9 weeks and listened everyday its soo good" but obviously doesn't work like that for everyone. I'm going to wait till Monday morning and try relax. Thank you x

She's had probably picked up her own heart beat.

Chuck it away, they shouldn't be allowed for private use

AllyCatTown · 14/08/2022 07:09

@Purplefoxes
The NHS do state on their website “This is not a reliable way to check your baby's health. Even if you hear a heartbeat, this does not mean your baby is well.”
www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/your-babys-movements/

The problem is most people won’t come across this as they won’t think to search on the website or read all the info given to them. So the cost of actually doing courses or something more that might get the message across isn’t worth it. Listening to the heartbeat does nothing to indicate health of baby so it’s not useful for the nhs to spend money and time on.

Also there are a reasonable amount of women with anxiety issues who, even when told it’s not for reassurance, would still use it that way.

sm8724 · 14/08/2022 07:17

I would try not to worry and wait for for you scan on Monday. I have been so tempted to get a Doppler bit I have read they not easy to use and cause the stress you now have. Please let us know how the scan goes, wishing you all the best x

templesit · 14/08/2022 07:28

Echo others.

This in no way means there is a problem I've heard of this situation before.

mummyh2016 · 14/08/2022 10:47

Purplefoxes · 14/08/2022 04:37

OP I'm bit sure why people freak out so much about dopplers. They are not dangerous if you use common sense and do your homework! Most people are able to do this.

I've used my Doppler in both pregnancies. Last one I found it about 13 weeks. This one it was not until 17 weeks but it was only for a few seconds at a time with full to bursting bladder as baby so wriggly. You cannot mistake the fetal heartbeat it is so much faster than your own heartbeat and moves around! You get to know the region's your heartbeat can be heard in near arteries etc and where your placenta is.

There are just two simple rules to follow for
using a Doppler:

You accept you are not a trained professional and likely not using a very sensitive device so if you cannot find a heart beat early it doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong, especially if no bleeding and everything else ok!
You also must count kicks when you start to feel movement and not use the Doppler for reassurance. This is because it's the movement that counts, babies stop moving to conserve energy when things are wrong so this is the first sign of distress. You are unlikely to pick up a heat rate deceleration with a simple device, that is for a trained professional and so finding the heart beat alone with a home Doppler is not reassurance.

Provided you understand the above and limit the time to you use the Doppler I don't see why people label them dangerous. It's not the Doppler device that's dangerous it's the users lack of education on it! I think a blanket fear of dopplers has been instilled by health care professionals as it's just easier and cheaper than providing the advice people need to use them properly and knowing not everyone will get it and be demanding early scans. Controversial view but just my opinion! 😄

If people used Dopplers as you're saying then yes there wouldn't be an issue. However my local NHS trust no longer use a Doppler until 24 weeks, 5 years ago they used to at 16 weeks. The reason why is because if the midwives cannot find the heartbeat at 16 weeks they can no longer refer for a scan, the patient would have to wait until their 20 week scan. So if people are going to be absolutely fine to wait how many weeks to find out if their baby is still alive then crack on. But realistically how many people would be prepared to wait? Anxiety would go into overdrive and the NHS does not have the resources to be offering scans to women who have attempted to use a Doppler untrained.
Dopplers are all fun and games until you can't find what you're looking for. People aren't telling the OP to get rid for a laugh.

mummyh2016 · 14/08/2022 10:51

Purplefoxes · 14/08/2022 04:37

OP I'm bit sure why people freak out so much about dopplers. They are not dangerous if you use common sense and do your homework! Most people are able to do this.

I've used my Doppler in both pregnancies. Last one I found it about 13 weeks. This one it was not until 17 weeks but it was only for a few seconds at a time with full to bursting bladder as baby so wriggly. You cannot mistake the fetal heartbeat it is so much faster than your own heartbeat and moves around! You get to know the region's your heartbeat can be heard in near arteries etc and where your placenta is.

There are just two simple rules to follow for
using a Doppler:

You accept you are not a trained professional and likely not using a very sensitive device so if you cannot find a heart beat early it doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong, especially if no bleeding and everything else ok!
You also must count kicks when you start to feel movement and not use the Doppler for reassurance. This is because it's the movement that counts, babies stop moving to conserve energy when things are wrong so this is the first sign of distress. You are unlikely to pick up a heat rate deceleration with a simple device, that is for a trained professional and so finding the heart beat alone with a home Doppler is not reassurance.

Provided you understand the above and limit the time to you use the Doppler I don't see why people label them dangerous. It's not the Doppler device that's dangerous it's the users lack of education on it! I think a blanket fear of dopplers has been instilled by health care professionals as it's just easier and cheaper than providing the advice people need to use them properly and knowing not everyone will get it and be demanding early scans. Controversial view but just my opinion! 😄

Oh and I'm not sure how long ago your pregnancies were but counting the kicks is outdated advice. It's now any change to the usual pattern of movement, too much movement can also be a concern.

barneymcgroo · 14/08/2022 10:58

I have an anterior placenta. My experienced midwife couldn't find the heartbeat at 16 weeks. This is why they don't recommend them.
You wait.

Madwife123 · 14/08/2022 11:09

Purplefoxes · 14/08/2022 04:37

OP I'm bit sure why people freak out so much about dopplers. They are not dangerous if you use common sense and do your homework! Most people are able to do this.

I've used my Doppler in both pregnancies. Last one I found it about 13 weeks. This one it was not until 17 weeks but it was only for a few seconds at a time with full to bursting bladder as baby so wriggly. You cannot mistake the fetal heartbeat it is so much faster than your own heartbeat and moves around! You get to know the region's your heartbeat can be heard in near arteries etc and where your placenta is.

There are just two simple rules to follow for
using a Doppler:

You accept you are not a trained professional and likely not using a very sensitive device so if you cannot find a heart beat early it doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong, especially if no bleeding and everything else ok!
You also must count kicks when you start to feel movement and not use the Doppler for reassurance. This is because it's the movement that counts, babies stop moving to conserve energy when things are wrong so this is the first sign of distress. You are unlikely to pick up a heat rate deceleration with a simple device, that is for a trained professional and so finding the heart beat alone with a home Doppler is not reassurance.

Provided you understand the above and limit the time to you use the Doppler I don't see why people label them dangerous. It's not the Doppler device that's dangerous it's the users lack of education on it! I think a blanket fear of dopplers has been instilled by health care professionals as it's just easier and cheaper than providing the advice people need to use them properly and knowing not everyone will get it and be demanding early scans. Controversial view but just my opinion! 😄

@Purplefoxes Do you know what the placenta sounds like? Or the uterine arteries? Because they have the same ‘heart beat rate’ as the fetus. You have no way of knowing what you are listening to unless trained.

templesit · 16/08/2022 06:27

@Charlie14 all ok at the scan?

Original poster

Charlie14 · 16/08/2022 07:35

templesit · 16/08/2022 06:27

@Charlie14 all ok at the scan?

Yes perfect thank you. Even took the guy awhile to find the heartbeat as baby is a mover and jumping around in there. Won't be using the doppler anymore!!

OP posts:

Endlesslypatient82 · 16/08/2022 07:42

Charlie14 · 16/08/2022 07:35

Yes perfect thank you. Even took the guy awhile to find the heartbeat as baby is a mover and jumping around in there. Won't be using the doppler anymore!!

Show quote history

And don’t give it to a friend or sell it!

Next time you see midwife, ask if they have any use for it, unlikely, and then bin it

PutOnAHappyFace · 16/08/2022 11:42

That's a lovely update. Congratulations.

templesit · 16/08/2022 13:13

Fantastic ❤️

turquoise1988 · 16/08/2022 13:17

Great news, OP.

Congrats!

SillyFruit · 16/08/2022 13:30

The midwife's only start using a Doppler from
16 weeks. Even then they say they may not be able to find a heartbeat with it till past 20 weeks.

Doppler aren't recommended. They give false reassurance or false worry.

SillyFruit · 16/08/2022 13:30

Charlie14 · 13/08/2022 10:40

Okk thank you. My friend was like "I found the heartbeat at 9 weeks and listened everyday its soo good" but obviously doesn't work like that for everyone. I'm going to wait till Monday morning and try relax. Thank you x

Your friend was probably lovely listening to her own heart beat. Or the placenta.

Purplefoxes · 16/08/2022 13:34

Madwife123 · 14/08/2022 11:09

@Purplefoxes Do you know what the placenta sounds like? Or the uterine arteries? Because they have the same ‘heart beat rate’ as the fetus. You have no way of knowing what you are listening to unless trained.

Show quote history

@Madwife123 Absolutely I do.... It's not exactly rocket science is it?! The placenta doesn't suddenly jump and move about like a baby, neither do the arteries 😂. If you are doing it regularly you can hear all the sounds and get to know them and the places they are in. But I'm still not an 'expert' so wouldn't panic if I couldn't find it one day, however I would if the movements changed. I'm only 18 weeks now however so even when the movements change at this stage the hospital say they are not interested until after 28 weeks... that's because it's still too small so just can't feel them at times.

Are we really treating women that they are so stupid, overly anxious and without agency to be trusted to be able to follow a few simple rules when pregnant? If so it's a sad day for healthcare and humanity. Welcome to the nanny state and lack of nuance era. Sigh.

OP I'm really glad everything was fine. You don't have to feel forced to throw your Doppler away, it's not the enemy, just use it following the rules I mention in my post and you will be fine!

Madwife123 · 16/08/2022 18:11

Purplefoxes · 16/08/2022 13:34

@Madwife123 Absolutely I do.... It's not exactly rocket science is it?! The placenta doesn't suddenly jump and move about like a baby, neither do the arteries 😂. If you are doing it regularly you can hear all the sounds and get to know them and the places they are in. But I'm still not an 'expert' so wouldn't panic if I couldn't find it one day, however I would if the movements changed. I'm only 18 weeks now however so even when the movements change at this stage the hospital say they are not interested until after 28 weeks... that's because it's still too small so just can't feel them at times.

Are we really treating women that they are so stupid, overly anxious and without agency to be trusted to be able to follow a few simple rules when pregnant? If so it's a sad day for healthcare and humanity. Welcome to the nanny state and lack of nuance era. Sigh.

OP I'm really glad everything was fine. You don't have to feel forced to throw your Doppler away, it's not the enemy, just use it following the rules I mention in my post and you will be fine!

Show quote history

Actually the ‘jumps’ you describe can be heard anywhere in the uterus, including when listening to the placenta. As the movement leads to water movement.

Regardless you are not trained to know what you are listening to and you are not trained to determine if what you are listening to is normal.

You’ve already made a worrying point about maternity units not being interested in movements until 28 weeks. This simply isn’t true. A CTG assessment is required from 26 weeks. And anyone with a change in movements should be contacting their midwife even at lower gestations as the absolute minimum care will be a heartbeat assessment but for women with risk factors an ultrasound will also be required.

DiscoBadgers · 16/08/2022 18:33

Your friend is an idiot and was likely hearing their own heartbeat or the placenta. Highly trained medical professionals couldn’t pick up the heartbeat on a crappy commercial Doppler at 12 weeks. All you will do is drive yourself mad - seriously, throw it in the bin now. At best it makes you anxious when you can’t hear it. At worst, like your friend, you think you are hearing it and all is well when in actual fact something could be very wrong and you are falsely reassured and don’t seek help. They seriously ought to be banned from public sale.