Best Places To Buy Fetal Heartbeat Monitors

Fetal heart rate monitors are used to check the rate and rhythm of a baby's heartbeat during pregnancy. They can be used at home or in a medical setting. While at-home devices are available from retailers such as Amazon, Target, and Baby Doppler, medical professionals advise against their use due to potential health risks and inaccuracies. Instead, it is recommended that fetal heart rate monitoring is carried out by qualified healthcare professionals, particularly during high-risk pregnancies or when specific symptoms are present.

Online: Amazon, Target, Baby Doppler

There are several online options for purchasing a fetal heartbeat monitor.

Online: Amazon

You can find a variety of fetal heartbeat monitors on Amazon.com, with prices ranging from around $5 to $300. Many of the options include free delivery for Amazon Prime members or on orders over $35. Some highly-rated products include:

• Skywin-Fetal Heartbeat Monitor, Fetoscope Heart Beat Monitors for Pregnancy Detection - 24 Weeks
• Baby Monitor Heartbeat Pregnancy Accessories Pocket Portable Doppler Fetal Heart Rate Monitor
• Bags for Heartbeat Pregnancy Accessories Doppler Fetal Heart Rate Monitor Bag Easy to Operate
• Baby-Bump Headphones – Plays and Shares Music, Sound and Voices to The Womb

Online: Baby Doppler

Baby Doppler sells fetal Dopplers and heartbeat-monitoring devices on its website, babydoppler.com. The website offers two-day shipping for quick delivery and customers can pay using their Amazon account details.

Online: Target

Target also offers fetal Doppler heart monitors, although specific product information is not available without creating an account or signing in.

In-store: Medical facilities, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Fetal heart rate monitoring is a procedure that measures the heart rate and rhythm of your baby (fetus) and lets your healthcare provider see how your baby is doing. This procedure is especially helpful if you have a high-risk pregnancy. Your pregnancy is considered high risk if you have diabetes or high blood pressure, or if your baby is not developing or growing as expected.

Johns Hopkins Medicine is an example of a medical facility that offers fetal heart rate monitoring. They offer two types of fetal heart rate monitoring: external and internal.

External fetal heart monitoring uses a device to listen to and record your baby's heartbeat through your belly (abdomen). One type of monitor is a Doppler ultrasound device, which is often used during prenatal visits to count the baby's heart rate and can also be used to check the fetal heart rate during labour. For continuous electronic monitoring, the provider will connect the transducer to the monitor with a cable, and a wide elastic belt will be put around you to hold the transducer in place.

Internal fetal heart monitoring uses a thin wire (electrode) placed on the baby's scalp. The wire runs from the baby through your cervix and is connected to the monitor. This method provides better readings because factors like movement do not affect it. However, it can only be performed if the amniotic sac has broken and the cervix is opened.

If you are considering fetal heart rate monitoring, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider to understand the procedure, its benefits and risks, and any necessary preparations.

At-home vs. professional: Risks and benefits

Fetal heartbeat monitors can be purchased from online retailers such as Amazon, or in-store at medical supply stores.

Fetal heart rate monitoring is a common test that healthcare providers use to check the health of the developing fetus during pregnancy and labor. The average fetal heart rate is between 110 and 160 beats per minute and can vary by 5 to 25 beats per minute. An irregular heartbeat could mean that the baby is not getting enough oxygen or has other health issues.

There are two types of fetal heart rate monitoring: external and internal. External monitoring occurs outside the abdomen and can be done manually with a device such as a fetoscope or electronically with a handheld Doppler ultrasound. Internal monitoring involves threading a thin wire through the cervix and attaching it to the baby's head to monitor the heartbeat. This method provides better readings as it is not affected by movement, but it can only be done once the amniotic sac has broken and the cervix is open.

At-Home Monitoring

At-home fetal heartbeat monitors are widely available for purchase, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not support their use. These devices only measure heart rate, while professional devices provide detailed information about heart function. At-home monitors do not require a prescription and can be purchased online or at medical supply stores. They may be useful for tracking the baby's movement, as this can indicate its well-being. However, they should only be used if there is a medical need, and parents can also bond with their unborn babies during sessions at the doctor's office.

There are risks associated with at-home fetal heartbeat monitors. Ultrasound technology can heat tissues and produce small bubbles, and excessive use without medical supervision could pose risks to the baby's development. Additionally, due to a lack of training, users may be falsely reassured by a detected heartbeat or panic if they are unable to find one. At-home devices may also provide inaccurate results, leading to undue stress or a false sense of confidence.

Professional Monitoring

Professional fetal heart rate monitoring is typically done during late pregnancy and labor, especially for high-risk pregnancies. It can be used to check how preterm labor medicines are affecting the baby and in combination with other tests for a closer look at the baby's health.

While generally safe, continuous electronic fetal monitoring can restrict movement during labor and increase the risk of an unnecessary cesarean section or delivery using a vacuum device or forceps. Internal monitoring carries a higher risk of injury to the baby's scalp and asphyxiation, as well as the transmission of HIV or genital herpes from mother to baby.

At-home fetal heartbeat monitors can provide peace of mind and help track the baby's movement, but they should not replace professional monitoring. Professional fetal heart rate monitoring offers more detailed information and is especially important for high-risk pregnancies. It is recommended to consult a healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of each option to determine what is best for the mother and baby.

When to use: High-risk pregnancies, routine prenatal appointments

Fetal heart rate monitoring is a process that allows your doctor to check the rate and rhythm of your baby's heartbeat to ensure that they are healthy and growing. This procedure is especially helpful if you have a high-risk pregnancy. Your pregnancy is considered high-risk if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or if your baby is not developing or growing as expected.

Your doctor is likely to perform fetal heart rate monitoring later in your pregnancy and during labour. They may also combine it with other tests if you have any conditions that could cause complications for you and your baby.

When to Use Fetal Heartbeat Monitors: High-Risk Pregnancies

If you have a high-risk pregnancy, your doctor may use a fetal heartbeat monitor to check on your baby's well-being. This is particularly important if you are taking medication for preterm labour or if your baby is not growing or developing normally.

When to Use Fetal Heartbeat Monitors: Routine Prenatal Appointments

Fetal heartbeat monitors are often used during routine prenatal check-ups to count the baby's heart rate. Most women first hear their baby's heartbeat during a routine prenatal check-up using a fetal Doppler. This test typically occurs during the second trimester (weeks 13 to 28 of pregnancy).

It is important to note that at-home fetal Dopplers should only be used if there is a medical need, and you should consult your doctor before purchasing or using one. They can advise you on the benefits and risks of using these devices.

How to use: Instructions and recommendations

Before Using a Fetal Heartbeat Monitor

• Consult your doctor or healthcare provider before buying or using an at-home fetal heartbeat monitor.
• Understand that at-home devices are not a substitute for regular doctor visits and are not intended to diagnose or treat any medical conditions.
• Be aware of the potential risks of using at-home devices, such as inaccuracy, stress, and health effects.
• Ensure that you have a medical need for an at-home device, as recommended by the FDA.
• Understand that a normal fetal heart rate does not always indicate a healthy fetus, and lack of a normal heartbeat does not always mean something is wrong.
• Familiarise yourself with the device by reading the instructions and recommendations provided by the manufacturer.

Using an At-Home Fetal Heartbeat Monitor

• Ensure you are in a quiet environment to reduce external noise.
• Apply a thin layer of ultrasound gel to the probe or your abdomen to facilitate movement and enhance sound transmission.
• Place the probe on your abdomen and move it around gently until you find the fetal heartbeat.
• Listen for the sound of the fetal heartbeat through the device or an electronic monitor.
• If your device has a recording function, record the fetal heartbeat to share with your healthcare provider.
• Clean the probe and your abdomen after use to maintain good hygiene.

During an External Fetal Heart Monitoring Procedure (at a Healthcare Facility)

• Follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
• Undress and lie down on an exam table or labour bed as directed.
• Relax and remain still during the procedure to allow for accurate readings.
• Inform the healthcare provider if you experience any discomfort or have any concerns.

During an Internal Fetal Heart Monitoring Procedure (at a Healthcare Facility)

• Follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
• Undress and put on a hospital gown as directed.
• Lie down on a labour bed with your feet and legs supported.
• Remain still and follow the instructions of the healthcare provider during the procedure.
• Inform the healthcare provider if you experience any discomfort or have any concerns.

Frequently asked questions