So I got my doppler in the mail yesterday and found the babies heartbeat at only 9 weeks and 3 days!! I love the ladies who helped me find one that was so much cheaper than renting and works so well. I was hoping for some advice though. I found the heartbeat pretty low (at my hairline) and to the left quite a bit. When I checked my heart rate it was about 90bpm which was accurate. The last time I went for my u/s the babies heart rate was 169bpm but the doppler only shows about 133bpm. I'm not sure if the one at home would not be as accurate as the transvaginal as that would make sense, but I also think I may not be using it correctly. I don't even know the difference between the 3 modes and when I use them the numbers jump all over the place and are never consistent. Have any of you other ladies who used the doppler at home had lower #'s at home than at the Dr's office? Also, for those ladies who have the same doppler would you mind e-mailing me so that I can ask you the difference between the modes and how to use them? My e-mail address is on my profile. I hope I'm not asking too much. I would just like to know I am using the device properly.
2 years ago
8 comments:
LuckyOnce said...
Hi Dawn, I was just looking at the Doppler on Ebay, and this info is in the ad. I thought it might help.
1.) Mode 1 displays heart icon when heart beat is detected and also displays the real-time heart rate numerically.
2.) Mode 2 displays the heart icon when the heart beat is detected and averages the heart rate for a more stable reading.
3.) This mode can calculate an average heart rate over a specific period of time by manually pushing a button to start and stop the time
I'm glad you're able to hear the baby's heartbeat so early!
projectbaby said...
hello! i found you through andrea and am so encouraged to see your journey leading you to a successful pregnancy. you and your little bean will be in my prayer because i know the exact emotions and fear yet excitement you're going through right now. like you always say - today you're pregnant. that's all that matters!
Kailyn's Mommy said...
My email is
nblondie@bellsouth.net
I always usually use it on mode 2. That is what Dawn had told me she usually use it on. Mode 3 does give a more accurate reading of the BPM but it is hard to use that mode in the beginning. Even now I only use it once in awhile. Now I just like to hear her.
Oh and it is definitely NOT as accurate as the BPM they give you during an ultrasound. I believe @ our 12 week lil Pea's heartrate was 154 and with the Doppler it bounces anywhere from the 140's to the 160's.
Hope I can help!! So happy it worked for you, though!
Me said...
Congratulations! Where did you get the doppler? Did you buy it? I definitely want to get one of my own. I think that will put my mind at ease until I can feel the baby moving around.
Tina said...
Congratulations! That is the best sound! It sounds like some PPs gave great advice on the doppler!
just me, dawn said...
HI Dawn-
Nicole beat me to it! but she was correct. I always use mode 2, mode 1 never really worked for me as you have to be exactly on the heart to catch every beat....mode 3 is really cool, but again is only accurate when you are on the heart for the entire period between start/stop. If you are getting 130s in mode 2 (which does a wonderful average) then you have definitely found the baby. As the baby grows it gets easier and easier to stay on the baby and now I constantly get rates at or around 145.....and at the US this past weekend, the tech measured her heart rate at 146 :)
Yay for a good heart rate, and you will get better every day with angling and such.
Andrea said...
So happy you are hearing that little pitter patter of a heart beat :) Your story is encouraging and I am immersing myself in all things positive. Wishing you nothing but baby bliss! Take good notes on the doppler, as I HOPE to be following your lead in the near future...
Visit my blog if you like: www.persuitofourfairytale.blogspot.com
Hugs to you...
CeCe said...
Congratulations on your pregnancy! I am expecting a July baby too and have experienced previous pregnancy loss.
Thanks for sharing the doppler info- I am going to get one!
All the best to you~
CeCe