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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

How often do you use a doppler?

12 replies

VJaybigpants · 29/03/2009 09:40

If you have one that is I got an angelsounds one this week and there was no indication in the instructions as to how often I can use it safely. I have read somewhere that it should be no more than 2-3 times a week, then elsewhwere, 2-3 times a day! Does anyone have any ideas?

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Original poster

VJaybigpants · 29/03/2009 15:35

Anyone?

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bunnymother · 29/03/2009 15:45

I have one of these, and when I asked my MW the other week about how often we could use it she said its fine to use as often as you like. Ultrasound machine would be a different situation, but doppler is apparently OK as it doesn't bother the baby. Hope this helps!

SatHereSitting · 29/03/2009 15:52

When I first got mine at 13 weeks I would only use it once a week for as short a time as possible, then I got abit silly and would use it every day but I could tell the baby didn't like it, because he'd always move away from it. So much so that everytime I had a scan he would move or curl right up, which broke my heart tbh. Now at 35 weeks I only use it i'm really worried, i.e he hasn't moved for ages.

If you search through the threads on here, you should find lots of advice, mostly anecdotal but varies from people using one for hours every day to people who are very wary. It worried me slightly I must say which is why I tried to use it for as short a time as possible.

Current guidelines say there is no real proof of damage but there could still be a risk and it should only be used for medical purposes, therefore I would recommend only using once a week or so and for as quick a time as is possible to locate and hear the heartbeat. HTH.

How far along are you by the way?

Original poster

VJaybigpants · 29/03/2009 19:01

Thanks bunnymother that does help, I want to be using it a lot at the moment, but I know that once I can feel the baby I will use it less often.
satheresitting when I have used it it has only been for a few minutes as I've been quite lucky to find the hb quickly. I'm 18+4 weeks today. I had 2 miscarriages last year so this doppler has really helped with the anxiety I have been feeling.
Thankyou both for your advice.

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WifeofGeek · 29/03/2009 21:11

Gosh I haven't got one but if I did it would be used everyday.

DawnAS · 30/03/2009 12:54

Sorry to throw a different answer into the mix and I'm hoping that my Sonographer at my 28 week scan was just trying to scare me. I bought an Angelsounds one at 26 weeks and from then, I used it once a day, in the evenings for just 5 minutes at a time.

When I casually told my Sonographer she looked at me, horrified and said that I should only use it in emergencies when I've not felt our little girl move.

She said that apparently if you get the head instead of the heart, you can heat up the brain.

Now, my Mum said that surely they wouldn't sell them if that was the case.

How the professionals differ with their opinions hey?!

It would be good to know an official answer - any MWs out there that can help?!!

SlebMner · 30/03/2009 12:57

i don;t think there is yet a lot of research either way, to say it is categorically safe or unsafe , but there is a risk with everything and it is impossible to know yet, as home use dopplers are relatively new i think, to know how much use is safe.

using it several times a day might be an issue, it might not be, but i would err on the side of caution

lots of things are sold that are known categorically to be damaging.. alcohol, for one! and cigarettes, high fat foods etc

but we can choose to use those things in moderation, in excess, or not at all

my DD always used to 'hide' from teh doppler at MW appoitnments.

SheWillBeLoved · 30/03/2009 13:03

The only concern my midwife had with me using one (Angelsounds) was that if I couldn't find the HB - I'd panic and be straight on the phone to the hospital etc.

This pregnancy has been so easy in terms of symptoms - had practically none besides tiredness. And after a MMC in 2006 - having no symptoms was terrifying for me. It was reassuring for me to use the Doppler. Before I was getting the crap kicked out of me by her, I'd listen in on her most nights when I got into bed, every other day at least.

Original poster

VJaybigpants · 30/03/2009 17:18

Wow dawnas that is a bit scary. I'm seeing my mw tomorrow so will ask her opinion. There have been different opinions on here but nothing concrete!

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1istrulyscrumptious · 30/03/2009 17:31

the other major problem with these are that you may pick up your own heart beat or the placenta beats... there may be a problem with you baby but you are reassured by your own doppler and findings.. it is very usual to hear the placenta or yuor heart beat. if you cant tell the difference you could miss a problem.. best indicator that something is wrong is lack of movements..let the proffessionals do the heart finding..

FairLadyRantALot · 30/03/2009 18:21

at the brain frying...tbh, I doubt that....but I am no expert, of course....

anyway, here a link that you might find helpful.

on a personal note I didn't even let my m/w's use a doppler....

Original poster

VJaybigpants · 30/03/2009 18:27

Thanks for the link fairlady, very useful. I think as long as it's used in moderation it will be fine.

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