Listening to a child's heartbeat for the first time is certainly a magical and unforgettable experience. Doctors can determine the health of the fetus through its heartbeat. For mothers and fathers-to-be, the sound of a heartbeat will indicate the fetus in the stomach is growing well. There are several ways to listen to the fetal heartbeat, some can be done yourself at home and others must be done in a doctor's clinic. Be sure to consult with your doctor first before trying any methods of listening to your baby's heartbeat at home.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Listening to the Fetal Heartbeat at Home
Step 1. Use a stethoscope
Using a stethoscope is one of the best ways to listen to your baby's heartbeat at home. If the gestational age has entered 18-20 weeks, the fetal heartbeat should be strong enough to be heard. The trick, just put the stethoscope on the stomach and listen. The stethoscope may need to be moved around the abdomen until a sound is heard. Do it patiently.
Use a good quality stethoscope. There are many brands available at pharmacies or medical supply stores. You can also borrow from friends or family who are in the medical field
Step 2. Download the app on the mobile device
Cutting-edge technology makes it easy for you to listen to your baby's heartbeat anywhere. There are several applications that can be purchased and downloaded on your phone. Some apps can even record the sound of your heartbeat so you can share it with your friends and family.
This method is very reliable in the later stages of pregnancy
Step 3. Prepare a fetal heart rate monitor
You can buy a fetal heart rate monitor at an affordable price. This method is useful if you are prone to stress and can only calm down by listening to the fetal heartbeat using a device similar to that of a doctor. However, this tool is not really similar to the doctor's because the strength is different and the fetal heartbeat can only be heard when the gestational age has entered five months or more.
Be sure to consult with your doctor before buying this tool. If you have already purchased it, be sure to follow the user manual carefully
Step 4. Know the factors that affect the sound of the fetal heartbeat
Even if the equipment used is appropriate, there are several things that can cause the sound of a heartbeat not to be heard. Your baby's position and weight can affect the clarity of your baby's heartbeat. If you are worried, see a doctor.
Method 2 of 3: Visiting the Doctor
Step 1. Communicate with the doctor
The relationship between the doctor and you is very important. When pregnant, make sure you are treated by a trusted health professional. Tell your doctor about your baby's progress, as well as the best way to listen to your baby's heartbeat, both at home and in the clinic. Choose a doctor who answers the patient's questions thoroughly and patiently.
Step 2. Prepare for your visit
Ask your doctor when you can listen to your baby's heartbeat for the first time. Usually the doctor will schedule a prenatal examination in the ninth or tenth week. Before visiting the doctor, make sure you prepare a list of questions for the doctor. The moment will be even more special if you understand what is and will happen.
This visit will be very interesting and emotional. Ask your partner or close friend or relative to accompany you to the doctor's clinic to share this joy
Step 3. Try using fetal doppler
Ask your doctor what method you will use to listen to the fetal heartbeat. Usually, you will hear a sound when your doctor uses a fetal doppler, which is a device that uses sound waves to amplify the sound of your heartbeat. You will be asked to lie on your back on an examination table and the doctor will move a small probe (probe) across the surface of your abdomen. This procedure is painless.
Usually the sound of a heartbeat can be detected after 12 weeks of pregnancy, although sometimes by the 9th to 10th week a heartbeat can be detected
Step 4. Have an ultrasound examination
If your doctor has scheduled an early ultrasound for you, a heartbeat may be heard after the eighth week of pregnancy. An ultrasound is done early if there are risk factors in your pregnancy. Normally the doctor will wait until the gestational age enters 10-12 weeks.
Step 5. Get to know the other tools
Perhaps your doctor will use a stethoscope. Keep in mind, a stethoscope is not the best tool for listening to the fetal heartbeat, so the heartbeat is only heard when entering the second trimester. The doctor may also use a fetoscope, which is specially designed to listen to the fetal heartbeat.
Method 3 of 3: Understanding the Fetal Heartbeat
Step 1. Learn about fetal development
Pregnant women need to know the importance of the stages of baby development. That way, you can logically know when a heartbeat can be heard and link this information to long-term developments. For example, you should know that your doctor can usually detect a heartbeat in the eighth, ninth, or tenth week of pregnancy.
Keep in mind the concept of dating is not 100% accurate. Don't panic right away when your baby isn't developing fast enough. Your conception date may be off by a week or two
Step 2. Keep your heart healthy
There are many things you can do to help your unborn baby's heart grow strong and healthy. During pregnancy, avoid alcoholic beverages, smoking, and drugs. You should take folic acid supplements to help the baby's development.
Eat healthy and nutritious foods and stay away from caffeine
Step 3. Know the risks
Even if you are enthusiastic about listening to your baby's heartbeat, make sure you are aware of the risks of using a fetal heart rate monitor at home. The main drawback is the sound of a healthy heartbeat can make the mother careless in maintaining the health of the baby. For example, if you feel "unwell," but you can hear your baby's heartbeat, you may not want to visit the doctor. Make sure you obey your body and call your doctor if you feel something is wrong. Don't rely too much on home monitors. In fact, this tool can actually increase stress in pregnant women.
Step 4. Bond with baby
If approved by the doctor, make it a habit to synchronize with the baby's heartbeat. This experience is a good way to bond with the baby. Try a warm bath to relax and talk to your baby. When the gestational age is sufficient, the baby will begin to respond to your voices and moods. Babies will start hearing sounds after about 23 weeks.
Tips
- Share this experience with your partner. This moment will be a pleasant experience for both of you.
- Consider trying several methods to find the one that works best for you.
