[HeartMyBoys]

Was wondering if anyone has purchased a doppler, and if they work well? Im thinking of getting one this time. For peace of mind after a loss

[jobo77]

Most advice on EB seems to be along the lines of don't do it, they offer no medical help etc (all of which is valid) but from a personal experience I found it great for that occasional reassurance. I didn't use it until the 2nd trimester and rarely once I began to feel baby moving. I think if you are prone to become super anxious though if you don't pick up the HB properly (or at all which can happen) it might be better not to have one as it could make you more anxious than you might normally be. Mine worked okay - it wasn't that expensive & the headphones were a bit dodgy but you could definitely hear the heartbeat well along with the cord etc as long as you got it in the right spot

[nikonmum]

Hi OP,
I bought an angel sounds fetal doppler from quicksales.com.au at around 11 weeks and it's been worth it's weight in gold. I heard it can be hard to know where to find the heartbeat so I got my doc to find it on hers and it was enough of a guide for me. I even hooked it up to the stereo so all the grandparents could hear the little one on Xmas day

[Fairey]

Firstly ~ Congratulations on your pregnancy!!

I bought myself one when pregnant with my daughter, for reassurance after a loss.
Eventually I knew exactly where to place it on my tum to find the heartbeat straight away. I used it a few times a week from my second trimester onwards and then rarely used when I was feeling regular kicks.
The key is to not stress yourself out if you don't find the heartbeat straight away.

I loved having it. I have some great memories of me and DH laying on our bed, with our earphones in, holding hands and listening to the heartbeat of our bubba

[HeartMyBoys]

Thanks girls.
I think i will get one. I understand how i could get anxious if i couldn't find it right away, but i'll keep that in mind when using it.

[JRA]

Are they worth it? Are you a medical professional? Why else would you want one?

[=R2=]

Are you feeling baby movements OP or have you gone through periods where you have had to go to hospital for decreased movements?

Being vigilant about baby movements should be all you need for reassurance.

[Eirinn]

I understand the need for reassurance after a loss. I really do, having had both a miscarriage and a second trimester stillbirth. But please consider how overuse of ultrasound, with no medical reason, may affect your baby:

http://www.midwiferytoday.com/articles/ultrasound.asp

[soontobegran]

I think most people know my view on home use of dopplers so I agree with Eirinn when she says that she understands the comfort of hearing a HB after a loss. I really do have great empathy and understanding why some women buy/hire them.

They are a medical tool to be used by medical staff and IME they cause quite a deal more stress for many people than help it.
Having a doppler will not impact the outcome of a pregnancy ever. Being conscious of foetal movement and having normal growth of your uterus will.

The doppler is meant to be used infrequently and for a very short time only..usually only the matter of seconds when your doctor or midwife listens in the second trimester. They should not be used daily or even several times a week and they should not be held onto the uterus for minutes at a time trying to locate a heartbeat......they are not designed for this and the possibility of risk has not been eliminated as home doppler usage is quite a new thing so there has not been the study to determine what overuse can do.

OP I wish you every good luck. If you are worried at any time just take yourself into the midwife at your hospital, they really will not mind putting your mind at ease.

[HurryUpAlready]

Are you a medical professional? Why else would you want one?

For peace of mind, after experiencing a loss - as per the OP's original post, which I am sure you read.

From someone who has been in the same position, I completely understand, OP. If I wasn't so sick, and thus very well aware that I was pregnant, I would have used one too after a girlfriend who had also experienced a loss recommended it to me for peace of mind.

Ignore all the posts you'll get on EB saying how evil a Doppler is. If you want it, get it (& as you've already acknowledged, just remember that the hb can be hard to find sometimes).