Save now with Mommy Deals >

tools: Pregnancy Checklist | Baby Name Finder | Baby Websites | How Big is Baby?

log in | register Track your baby's growth

Your Avatar

Sign up to get FREE personalized newsletters about your baby each week.

Enter your due date or baby’s birth date:

more in 2nd Trimester

what's hot around the web

Find baby registries & websites

Find a couple's baby registry. Enter parents' name here.

Create your own baby registry here.

Sponsored Links

you asked...

Q&A: Are home doppler monitors worth the money?

 I just bought a baby heart monitor, but before I use it I want to make sure it's safe. What's your opinion on these?

Re:  I just bought a baby heart monitor, but before I use it I want to make sure it's safe. What's your opinion on these?

The Bump Expert

Fetal heart monitors (or Doppler machines) do appear to be safe for the fetus. But, I generally do not recommend them for use at home. In many cases, they cause more stress for expectant mothers than relief. It can be difficult at times to find the fetus' heart rate since the fetus moves around a lot. Also, the fetal heart rate normally has some variation to it, so I've seen mothers get very concerned when the heart rate is higher or lower then they've seen before.

Dr. Ashley Roman | July 09 , 2009 1:25 PM

Q&A: Are home doppler monitors worth the money?

It is believed to be safe but I must say that they are a blessing and a curse. My husband is an ER nurse and knows how to use a FHM. I am only 15 weeks and He really has to look for the heartbeat. Sometimes we get freaked out! Beware!!!

monte's mommy | August 12 , 2009 3:25 PM

Q&A: Are home doppler monitors worth the money?

They're probably safe but even my doc can't find the heartbeat with it, I've had to have an ultrasound every appointment so far

MrsandMommy | September 07 , 2009 10:16 AM

Q&A: Are home doppler monitors worth the money?

I have a doppler and I love it. I even took it to my doctors appointment with me and had my doctor use it. She just told me not to worry if you can't find the heartbeat because the baby may have moved but I love my doppler. It helps me feel closer to the baby since I haven't felt the baby move. I am 16 wks along. This is my first pregnancy.

jme6652 | September 10 , 2009 9:07 AM

Q&A: Are home doppler monitors worth the money?

I love mine too! I have had no problem finding the heartbeat....actually found it around 10 weeks! I got mine from Baby Beats....and it is even better than the one at my doctors office. My OB could barley find it on hers

aimiek | November 03 , 2009 6:14 AM

Q&A: Are home doppler monitors worth the money?

I purchased my doppler over the weekend. i was wondering if it was safe or not, but eventually decided to use it. I read the directions over and over again and have yet to find the heart beat. I know everything is alright because I just had a doctors appointment last week. I just thought it would be fun to let my family members hear the heart beat as well. I was thinking of trying it again before returning it.

SHarvey02 | November 23 , 2009 1:39 PM

Q&A: Are home doppler monitors worth the money?

My husband and I absolutely love our doppler. We are only 15 weeks along and have owned it for weeks now and have always been able to find our bundle of joy (my husband is fantastic at chasing the little bugger down (-:). I love hearing the heartbeat and it does make us feel closer to our baby since we haven't felt any movement yet; it's our first baby. When purchasing a doppler you need to make sure that it has FDA and FCC certification---I bought my doppler online---just beware of buying your doppler from another country; they may seem nicer or cooler looking but are not regulated by the above government agencies and if you don't see that they are certified then I would not purchase it.

shabailey | November 28 , 2009 9:49 AM

Q&A: Are home doppler monitors worth the money?

I rented on from baby beats and it is amazing, I have a 5 year old little boy and its brought me and him closer to the baby. he just loves to find the heartbeat and its so reassuring. I recommend it.

smw2009 | November 28 , 2009 10:04 AM

Q&A: Are home doppler monitors worth the money?

We have one and it's one of the best things we've bought so far! It's so fun to listen to our baby's heartbeat whenever we want. It brings us closer to the baby and each other (it's our first!). I got my doppler through Amazon for about $60 and got the gel there too. It's cheaper than renting one! :)

SELFstyled | February 21 , 2010 10:30 AM

Q&A: Are home doppler monitors worth the money?

We love ours, too! However, make sure that it is the baby's heartbeat that you are listening to. I brought mine to the doctor only to realize we had been listening my heartbeat! Oops! The doctor showed us where exactly to listen, and we usually do every night before bed. It does make us feel more connected to the baby. I love it!

middleton07 | March 31 , 2010 7:46 AM

Q&A: Are home doppler monitors worth the money?

My husband and I bought a doppler moniter and we love it. For me it makes me feel more connected to my baby and more secure that he/she is doing ok. I listen to heart beat every week or every other week. I haven't had a problem determining whose heartbeat is whose's. The dr and the nurse told me exactly where I should look, during my first visit. I bought mine off amazon for about $40..

nickeyPeaches23 | April 25 , 2010 10:43 PM

Q&A: Are home doppler monitors worth the money?

we love ours. Doc said it was fine. It really helps me too with my mental health since I'm an OVER worrier. If I ever get stressed about how she's doing, I pull it out, hear that little thump thump and feel much better! :) My mom lives a long way away from us, and this is her first grandchild. I call her some and let her listen as well. Such a great thing.

cindyloowho63 | May 18 , 2010 10:47 AM

Q&A: Are home doppler monitors worth the money?

Im 13 weeks and just bought a home doppler. I found the fetal heartbeat pretty well and I think it's a great joy and relief being able to listen to my baby. Another plus is that my family now can listen to the baby since they can't be at the sonograph appointments. I only spent about 30 bucks on my dopple and so far it's been a joy to have.

Soysam84 | June 15 , 2010 6:58 PM

Q&A: Are home doppler monitors worth the money?

ffff

jbrookstk | July 30 , 2010 2:10 PM

Q&A: Are home doppler monitors worth the money?

I have a doppler but I stopped using it. My father-in-law, a family doctor, warned me not to use it too often. He said it's just like ultrasounds. People say it's safe, but there really hasnt been enough research done to confirm it to be 100% safe. I'm sure it will do no harm if you use it once in awhile, but since my OBGYN uses it on a monthly basis, I decided not to use it. Plus, after 18 weeks or so, you can use a stethescope to hear the heartbeat.

monkeychi | August 04 , 2010 7:39 PM

Q&A: Are home doppler monitors worth the money?

I have rented one with me last pregnancy and with this one. I love it. Sometimes when I have had a long day I can har my baby's heart beat and it puts life into perspective.

mirandafrm | November 06 , 2010 10:03 PM

Q&A: Are home doppler monitors worth the money?

Where do you buy one??

liz6688 | November 11 , 2010 10:44 AM

Q&A: Are home doppler monitors worth the money?

I would say definitely DONT buy one. I had one and during my WHOLE pregnancy we could never find a heartbeat. My doctor couldnt find one using it either. Overall people have bad experiences with them, and Ill tell you, at first when I couldnt hear the heartbeat I was panicked. My daughter had complications and I was convinced something was wrong.

ReadingIsSexy27 | November 16 , 2010 11:43 AM

Q&A: Are home doppler monitors worth the money?

I rented one and it took me a while to find the heartbeat the first time (I was looking too high on my stomach rather than lower on my uterus) but after that I could find it easily. Plus I shared with with my mom, sister and grandmother - it's a nice way to let them experience the excitement since I'm not really showing and it'll be a while before I should feel any movement.

chimerage | December 06 , 2010 2:19 PM

Q&A: Are home doppler monitors worth the money?

I recently bought an at home doppler, it was just a cheaper one but i havent been able to find the heartbeat with it. I am 16 weeks and we have been using a stethoscope for a few weeks and i think it works a lot better, we can usually find the heartbeat right away.

sarahnjesse11 | December 07 , 2010 5:25 PM

Q&A: Are home doppler monitors worth the money?

After a loss with my first pregnancy I chose to purchase a doppler with this pregnancy. It was the best $50 I've spent. Very reassuring.

goalieamy24 | December 12 , 2010 3:51 PM

Q&A: Are home doppler monitors worth the money?

We bought one for this pregnancy, I have 2 sons, but have have 5 miscarriages between my youngest son, and this baby. We love it, I love the display on it so you can see exactly what the heartrate is at , that way you can see if you have picked up yours or baby's. Reassuring that baby is still with us. There is no problems with using doppler daily as long as listens are short. The waves made from a doppler are much lower than ultrasound machine. When I was in the hospital with my first son ( due to complications) nurses said there was no harm in using it daily as long as listens were short.

NicoleBd | December 16 , 2010 12:46 PM

Q&A: Are home doppler monitors worth the money?

I lost my first baby and buying one of these monitors has really helped me. I got mine for about $30 from Amazon and I love it. I found the heartbeat the instant I first tried it (I was 18 weeks along - try low on your abdomen, near the pubic bone). Last night I used it again (I am limiting myself to once a week or so), and the baby was clear on the other side of my abdomen. Just be patient - it has been a real blessing to me.

KennyBeth1 | December 28 , 2010 11:33 AM

Q&A: Are home doppler monitors worth the money?

I got one for Christmas and I was able to find the heartbeat around 10 weeks! I would be aware that you can't always find the heartbeat with it because it will make you freak out for no reason. I used it every day for a week and then all of sudden couldn't find it and freaked! Luckily nothing was wrong, but I haven't used it since. I'm going to wait until I'm farther along so it might be easier to listen to him :)

marionrose | January 18 , 2011 6:48 PM

Q&A: Are home doppler monitors worth the money?

You're not going to believe it, but we heard the heartbeat strong since 7 weeks pregnant. We use it a few times a week and it's super, super fun. We're 16 weeks now and the home doppler we have is just as clear as the ones the doctor uses. I am not super skinny (about 120 pounds) but the doc did say that home dopplers are best one tummies that don''t have too much padding on them.

candicehinds | January 25 , 2011 3:18 PM

Q&A: Are home doppler monitors worth the money?

My sister's husband is a Dr. so she had one from her pregnancies and let me borrow it. It is a physician's grade one and cost almost $1,000. I've been able to pick up a heart beat on it from 10 weeks (but so could my Dr. on theirs). I think it's helped me be less crazy because I can check in on baby whenever. I don't know if I'd pay that much myself or buy one of the cheaper less reliable ones. My Dr.'s office actually has the same brand and style as the one I have at home. I think its really fun and it helps my husband and I feel connected to the baby. If you have the money for it, I'd go for it.

preggarstasha | March 27 , 2011 11:25 AM

Q&A: Are home doppler monitors worth the money?

I got mine on amazon. Angle Sounds ($30) - I started at 9 weeks... But It was makeing myself nervious because I had a prior mis-carry and wanted to know. Well I just made my self more crazier trying to find it. 1st off, if you are a heavy set person (already have a fat belly) it will take longer. You will not hear it until 14 weeks... skinny non-fat bellys pick it up at 7-8 weeks. Its at your waistline directly below your belly button. I was at the Dr. and I was like dopular me NOW... yeah... turns it on and wa-la two seconds - you can hear it. So I tried the same spot when I got home... and I do hear it but it is so faint. So its up to you to stress your self out after your first check up till your second trimester follow up. But I do recomend a dopular they are lots of fun.

Snugit | April 09 , 2011 8:50 PM

Q&A: Are home doppler monitors worth the money?

after i the death of my son at 20 weeks I wanted to get a doppler so that I would stop worrying so much about the baby. When we found out that we where having anther little one my husbands daughter got me a doppler after I was 20 weeks along. But I got a useful fact if you run out of the doppler gel go out and get Aloe gel it works and you dont have to use alot. I use it and its cheaper.

Fairybaby1985112 | May 24 , 2011 5:57 PM

Q&A: Are home doppler monitors worth the money?

I have a baby heart monitor. I think they are good.but i wouldnt recommend anyone to get one. it gets me paranoid. and now i know i have it i like to listen to it before bed. I really wouldnt recommend someone to buy one. my partner has taken mine back to his army base with him so i cant listen to the babies heartbeat as im getting to paranoid. i know my baby is alright as i can feel him/her moving about alot.

ang94 | June 19 , 2011 8:39 AM

Q&A: Are home doppler monitors worth the money?

I purchased one off of Amazon and I love mine! I used it around 14 wks for the first time and was worried about not being able to find the heartbeat but both my husband and I have been able to find it with no problems. I think that the newer models have the ability for speaker and you can hook it up to the computer. I played it over the speaker for my mom and sister- they loved it! If you can splurge on one or maybe borrow one from a friend, I like it for peace of mind as a first timer and to make me feel closer to baby.

flipflops01 | June 27 , 2011 2:28 PM

Q&A: Are home doppler monitors worth the money?

Best $55 I have ever spent. I bought a new one sonoline I believe. I was 15 weeks when we got it and within seconds found the HB. I use it every couple of days and have never not found the HB. I guess it depends on the baby's position and the doppler used. I wold highly suggest it, it really helped in btw those 4 week appts.

lmanchen | July 06 , 2011 1:43 PM

Q&A: Are home doppler monitors worth the money?

i have one and it is wonderful it is fda approved and is completely accurate with the dr.'s findings every appointment. it gives me a great relief to hear the babies heart beating before i go to sleep. definitely worth it to me.

janaeashley | October 13 , 2011 11:53 AM

Q&A: Are home doppler monitors worth the money?

I have no idea if they are safe or not but I'm pretty sure they are useless, so to answer your question I don't believe it's worth the money. I mean why using something that does not improve your baby's health and can even cause stress? I would not use something that I don't need just because I can use it. It's like clicking links every time you see an exe file extension just because you know that there's an application and you have to run it. Not the best comparison, but the only one I could think of. I'm sorry. I'm a computer freak!

AllieValenza | November 28 , 2011 4:28 PM

Q&A: Are home doppler monitors worth the money?

I'm 14 weeks and I rented one at 12 weeks. I love it. I had two miscarriages already this year and whenever I get really worried I can take a listen and feel better. I am aware that it may not always be easy to find the h/b each time so I plan on not freaking out if that happens (yea, we'll see) so far we've found it everytime. I highly recommend it for women that have experienced miscarriage.

lhanke80 | December 15 , 2011 3:31 PM

Q&A: Are home doppler monitors worth the money?

I would say no. I paid $100 for mine and am returning it.

GINAMArie999 | January 14 , 2012 5:04 PM

Q&A: Are home doppler monitors worth the money?

My husband bought a home doppler monitor and I used it a couple of times but had real difficulties finding the h/b, plus the heart rate was a little bigger than normal and got scared a little. I will not use it anymore, I`ve put it in one of the Home Safes from my house; I agree this home device is recommended for women that had miscarriages.

amyabel68 | January 16 , 2012 4:52 AM

Q&A: Are home doppler monitors worth the money?

I had a bleed at 13-14 weeks. It was so stressful, and turned out to be nothing. They couldn't give us an answer as to what caused it. That whole week, I was a basketcase. A friend of mine gave me her doppler and it was a Godsend. Sometimes I had to search a little while , but I always found the heartbeat. It made me feel much better and stopped me from worrying until I felt him moving. Now I rarely use the doppler, but I am definitely glad I had it from 14-20 weeks

ashley1623 | February 12 , 2012 2:42 PM

popular questions

recently added questions