Home Fetal Heart Monitors

You realize that the machines that go "bing" actually drive up the c-section rate unnecessarily, yes?

Machines make me nervous, so if it was me, a heart monitor would drive my stress through the roof!

If you are worried, go for a second level screening and get the genetic testing done. I found doing those things and getting back positive results eased my anxiety.

I would think it would drive you crazier. My doctors sometimes couldn't find a heartbeat with theirs I can't imagine just anyone always being successful in finding the heartbeat.

I don't know how many times my doctor called it a piece of junk and grabbed the ultrasound wand.

I guess I wouldn't find the device reassuring.

I found a medical grade doppler at a 2nd hand children's store :) They ARE out there. I looked up the retail price of the one I own and it's over $1,000... I paid $8 for mine!!

The thing is that most people don't realize: it takes knowledge to be able to detect the heart beat with one of these. You generally can't hear the heartbeat before 10-16 weeks (depending on your BMI), and most women only freak themselves out with these things.

I'd check with your OB before making this purchase.

I wouldn't advise getting a fetal heart monitor. It may make things worse. They are not reliable and if you don't hear the HB, you will worry needlessly. You have one more week before your 2nd trimester, when miscarriage risk goes down. If you are really nervous still, maybe your OB can help by seeing you more often to reassure you.

jUST REMEMBER THAT YOU CAN'T ALWAYS HEAR THE HEART ON THE MONITOR. tHE BABY COULD BE IN A DIFFERENT POSITION OR FOR WHATEVER REASON JUST MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PICK IT UP, WHEN ACTUALLY THERE IS A HEARTBEAT. sO IF YOU DO IT & YOU DON'T HEAR IT, IT COULD MAKES THINGS WORSE. tHERE WERE TIMES MY DRS. COULDN'T FIND IT WHEN THEY WERE DOING IT AND MY BABIES WERE PERFECTLY FINE- JUST KEEP THAT IN MIND. JUST TRY TO RELAX AND DO YOUR BEST TO ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE. TRY SOME MEDITATION, YOGA, MASSAGE, ETC

I completely relate! I had a miscarriage and then was a total wreak when I got pregnant again. I needed constant reassurance that everything was okay so I rented a monitor from http://www.heartbeatsathome.com/index.cfm

Their monitors can detect a heartbeat sooner than most monitors. The service was fantastic from them and they also say a prayer for your sweet baby. I am religious so this was a super awesome extra treat for me!

I figured I would only rent it until I could feel the baby move regularly then I wouldn't need it cause I won't be worried anymore. WRONG!! I would wake up at night to go to the bathroom and then lay in bed waiting to feel the baby move. Totally freaking my self out. So I would find the heartbeat and then happily drift off back to sleep :) It seriously helped me sooooo much! Yes, it does take a little practice listening to hear the heartbeat and not just the sound of your blood pumping but it doesn't take long to become a heartbeat finding pro!

Do a google search of medical grade fetal doppler's and you come up with the kind the Dr.s use. The kind on this website are cheap compared to those and are definitely not the same quality. They make it look more expensive but they are not the high grade brand.

you can get them on ebay or amazon for 40-100+ dollars.

When I was pregnant with my oldest son I rented one (link below) I LOVED having it- such peace of mind. My second pregnancy I didnt rent one and sooo wish I did. Everything was fine but it would have just been nice to have. If/when we have another I will rent it again.

http://www.babybeat.com/babybeat-audio-doppler-bb100.html