Many women, especially those who are pregnant for the first time, struggle with what is or is not good for their unborn baby. Some call it paranoia, but it is a legitimate concern. It only makes sense that a mother wants to be careful. Before the child is ever brought into the world, a mother has begun a life of surrounding the baby with love and protecting her child from all things harmful. This is what comes natural to a mother. Another things that comes naturally is the excitement of knowing that inside your belly is a tiny, precious little life. A mother wants to hear the baby as soon as it is possible, but she wants to be assured of fetal doppler safety.
So what is a fetal doppler? Simply put, it is a small machine that allows a mother, father, doctor, or whoever to hear the heartbeat of the unborn baby. It is possible to hear the amazing sound of life pulsating in the mother’s belly as early as 8 weeks gestation. As exciting as this thought is to the mom, she still wants to understand the reality of fetal doppler safety. Is it completely safe? What should a pregnant mother expect when she is planning to have this procedure take place?
Fetal dopplers have been tested by the FDA and those who manufacture them. The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine has been quoted, “No confirmed biological effects on patients or instrument operators caused by exposure at intensities typical of present diagnostic ultrasound instruments have ever been reported.” This institute does have recommendations for doctors and parents to take heed of, such as: a fetal doppler should only be used a few times a week for no more than 7 minutes. The reason for this precaution is because it is considered a medical device. You can obtain one for your home, but a doctor’s prescription is needed to do so.
After listening to your baby’s heart rate the first time, you will think less about fetal doppler safety and more about how fast or slow their little heart is beating. As the baby grows, it will become a sort of game as the baby twists and turns or even kicks to escape the cold gel and the instrument. There is not much to the procedure itself. Lay back and enjoy the first sound of your baby.
