What is a Fetal Doppler?
A handheld ultrasound device, the fetal doppler is utilised by healthcare professionals & nurses to listen to the heartbeat of the fetus. This medical tool employs sound waves to detect and monitor the baby’s heartbeat. It’s commonly employed in regular prenatal care sessions, starting from the later stages of the 1st trimester of pregnancy.
In recent times, there has been an increase in the availability of over-the-counter fetal dopplers for use at home. However, it’s important to note that using these devices outside of medical settings is generally discouraged.
The long-term health effects associated with their use are still being determined, and relying on their readings may result in inaccurate conclusions about the fetus’s well-being. Therefore, consulting with healthcare professionals for proper monitoring and interpretation of fetal health is advisable.
When is a Fetal Doppler used?
The heart of a fetus typically starts beating about 5-6 weeks of gestation. At this early stage, a transvaginal ultrasound may be used to detect the fetal heartbeat. However, it takes some time for the heart sounds to become sufficiently h3 to be identified using a fetal doppler.
During Pregnancy
Typically, fetal heart tones are able to be identified using a fetal doppler at about the 10-12 week mark of pregnancy. However, it’s important to note that each pregnancy & individual body is distinct; hence the detection may occur slightly before or afterwards than this time window.
During Labour
Apart from being examined in regular prenatal visits, the heartbeat of the baby will be monitored during the course of labour. If you are not constantly monitored using an electronic fetal monitor, your doctor, nurse, or healthcare professional may periodically assess the baby’s heart rate using a fetal doppler.
During the first stage of labour, intermittent monitoring with a doppler is typically conducted every 15-30 minutes. As labour progresses to the second stage, the frequency of monitoring increases, with assessments typically occurring every 5-15 minutes. It’s important to note that individuals with pregnancy complications may require more frequent monitoring to ensure the well-being of both the baby and the mother.
How does it work?
As an ultrasound device, the fetal doppler uses sound waves to detect & amplify fetal and placental sounds. Its name is derived from the Doppler effect, which is based on how the frequency of waves, such as sound waves, changes when the observer moves near or away from the sound source. As opposed to an ultrasound scan, a fetal doppler solely generates sound signals and does not produce an image.
The fetal doppler device consists of the probe and the main unit, two components connected by a cord. When making use of the device, the healthcare professional will apply gel to the end of the probe. The probe with the gel will then be slowly moved across the bare abdomen of the pregnant woman till it detects fetal sounds. These sounds can be heard via the speaker on the main unit, with some kinds of dopplers displaying the number of heartbeats directly on the main unit, while other types necessitate manual counting.
The fetal heart tones generally range between 110 & 160 beats per minute. These heart tones can fluctuate in response to activity/contractions, highlighting the significance of monitoring them throughout labour. An abnormal heart rate may signal potential issues such as inadequate oxygen supply or other problems affecting the fetus. When fetal heart tones deviate from the normal range, healthcare professionals may suggest additional tests or interventions to assess & address the situation.
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