Dopplers

Hi All,

I am sure this question has been asked on here many times, but the search function on OH sucks, so I am asking again.

I really want to get a doppler. I think it will help me relax during my pregnancy since I have had 2 m/c's. But I don't want to get one that doesn't work. I also don't want to get one that costs $300. So I am asking for your experience for the dopplers you loved and the ones that you hated.

Thanks!

Tina

For the price, I don't think you can beat the AngelSounds doppler.  I looked at a lot of them and even returned one previously because it was an inferior model to what I had ordered.

AngelSounds is very basic, it doesn't record the heart rate or have an external speaker but if you just want to hear the heartbeat and movement, it works great.  I think they say it works after 12 weeks but I didn't get mine until closer to 16 weeks which is when it worked for me.  I have a lot of belly fat and skin and it still worked ok.

http://www.amazon.com/JPD-100S-Pink-Angelsounds-Fetal-Dopple r/dp/B001NWC5PW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1262792582&sr=8 -2

Good luck.

I am a member of a July 2010 expecting club messageboard and this discussion has been brought up a few times.  People have all liked several different kinds but one thing that is important to look for is one that is 3MHZ.  There are many companies that rent dopplers as well. 
My sister bought her doppler used for $80 on ebay and I am using it now.  I am still plus size.  I am an 18/20 and have a fat stomach.  I tried and tried to get the heartbeat closer to 10 weeks and then 11 weeks but was not successful till 12 weeks.  At the 12 week mark it usually took a few minutes to find the HB.  I am now 14 weeks and find the HB fairly quickly. 

So long story short try and wait till 12 weeks to try and look for a doppler that is 3MHZ. 

I bought a fatal baby doppler (pocket style) on amazon. It was around $50 and I could hear the heart beat at exactly 12 weeks with it...

I agree that it helped to relax by using one.

Melissa- What brand was it?

Thanks,

Kim

 Baby Sound B Fetal Doppler With LCD Display

Looks like this:

We rented one during my last pregnancy. It was 20 dollars a month. www.babysheart.com Came with free gel and free shipping. It worked WONDERFULLY. I think it will pick up from like 8 or 9 weeks.

I ahve this one
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370284369 810&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

And it works great!

I've owned my doppler for 6½ years now. I got it off e-bay for about $200. Worth the price considering I have used it for now 5 pregnancies. Much cheaper than renting so if you plan on having more children then buying will probably be cheaper than renting.

With that said, the FDA and other research is warning women about the home use of such devices. Over use and prolonged use, even in one session, heats the tissues of the baby and can cause pockets of air. They don't know the long term effects to babies but research does show an increased rate of miscarriage in the use of dopplers and u/s devices especially before the 2nd trimester, when misused and over-used.

I was trained by a MW to use mine and I know what 4 different heart sounds to look for and how to identify them. I use the doppler at the end of my 1st trimester and then maybe once every other month after that. But we also do unassisted pregnancy/childbirth too, so it's not like we get an u/s at every dr. visit since we don't really go and see a doctor.

My 2¢ take it or leave it.