How to Measure Fetal Heartbeat

Fetal heart tones are the sounds of your baby’s heartbeat in your womb.

You can listen to them at home using a Doppler, a handheld ultrasound device.

We may ask you to check your baby's heart tones during a scheduled video visit.  But you can also do it on your own if you're curious.

Follow these steps to measure your baby's heartbeat when we ask you to (or if you just want to listen for fun):

1) Gather your supplies:

• Doppler
  
• Ultrasound gel (helps the Doppler pick up sounds better)
  
• Tissues or a towel (to clean up the gel afterward)

2) Find a comfortable spot.

• Lie down on your back on a bed or couch.
  
• Make sure your stomach is easy to reach.

3) Turn on the Doppler and make sure the battery is charged.

4) Apply the gel.

• Squeeze a small amount on the probe (the part of the Doppler that touches your skin).
• It may feel cool (it helps the device work better).

5) Gently place the probe.

• Position it on your lower belly (just above your pubic bone).
  
• If you're further along, you may need to start higher up.

6) Find the heartbeat.

• Move the probe slowly in small circles or up and down until you hear your baby’s heartbeat.
  
• Be patient — it may take a little while to find it.  The sound will be fast, like a “woosh-woosh” or “lub-dub.”

7) Listen to the rhythm and speed.

• A normal fetal heartbeat is usually between 110 and 160 beats per minute.

8) Clean up.

• Turn off the Doppler.
  
• Wipe off the gel with a tissue or towel.

• It’s easiest to find your baby's heartbeat after 12 weeks of pregnancy.
  
• If you don’t hear it right away, don’t panic!  Your baby's position may be making it hard to pick up the sound.
  
• Use the Doppler in short sessions to avoid stress or frustration.

We'll let you know when to use the Doppler during video visits with our team's supervision.

You can also use it on your own for fun.  However, it's not a substitute for medical care, especially if you're worried about a change in your baby's movement patterns.  

Contact us right away if you have any concerns.