Listening to your child's heartbeat for the first time is an exciting and exceptional moment. It is also an important source of information regarding fetal health. As a parent, heart noise reassures you that your baby is growing as it should. There are several ways to listen to it; some can be done at home, while others can only be done at the gynecologist's office. Always ask your doctor for advice before attempting any home technique.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Listen to the Heart Rate at Home
Step 1. Use a stethoscope
This simple tool is also one of the simplest methods for listening to the fetal heartbeat at home. When you are between the eighteenth and twentieth weeks of pregnancy, the baby's heart should be beating hard enough to be audible with this technique. Just place the stethoscope on your stomach and listen. Sometimes it is necessary to move the bell a little to find the beat, be patient.
In this case the quality of the instrument is important, buy one from a reputable dealer. You can find a wide variety of them in pharmacies, online and even in office supply stores, inside the first aid kit. Alternatively, you can borrow it from a family member or friend who works in the medical industry
Step 2. Download an application
The new technology allows you to listen to the fetal heartbeat wherever you are. There are several applications for this purpose that you can buy and download directly to your mobile. Some even allow you to record sound, so you can listen to it for friends and family as well.
These methods are more reliable with late-stage pregnancies
Step 3. Buy a monitor
You can buy a cardiotocograph for home use at a relatively low cost. This is a valuable tool in case you are very anxious and listening to your child's heartbeat reassures you between visits to the gynecologist. However, you have to remember that these cardiotocographs are not as powerful and accurate as the professional ones. Don't expect to be able to feel the baby's heartbeat before the fifth month of pregnancy.
Ask your doctor for advice before purchasing this device. Once bought, strictly follow the instructions given in the instruction booklet
Step 4. Know the factors that interfere with sound
There are many reasons why you may not be able to hear the fetal heartbeat, even if you use the right tools. It is important to be aware that variables such as the position of the baby and your weight can alter the sound or prevent you from perceiving it clearly. If you believe there is any cause for concern, do not hesitate to contact your gynecologist immediately.
Part 2 of 3: Get Medical Examination
Step 1. Communicate with your gynecologist
The relationship with the doctor or midwife is really fundamental. When you are expecting a baby, you need to work with a team of professionals you trust. Learn about the development of the fetus and how to best listen to its heartbeat, both at home and in the doctor's office. Choose a gynecologist who patiently and comprehensively answers all your questions.
Step 2. Prepare for the visit
Ask your doctor when you can expect to be able to hear the pulse for the first time. Most gynecologists schedule an antenatal exam between the ninth and tenth weeks. Before this appointment, make a list of the questions you would like to ask. The experience will be even more exciting if you fully understand what is happening and what to expect.
It will be an exciting and exciting visit. Ask your partner, close friend, or family member to accompany you and share the moment with you
Step 3. Get the fetal doppler
Ask the gynecologist what type of procedure he wants to use to listen to the baby's heartbeat. Typically, you can hear your heart beat for the first time when your doctor or technician uses a fetal doppler, a tool that uses sound waves to amplify those emitted by the heart muscle. You will be asked to lie on your back on the gynecological table and the doctor will move a small probe over your abdomen. This is a completely painless procedure.
Although the doctor is able to detect the heartbeat as early as the ninth or tenth week, sometimes you have to wait until the twelfth before the sound is audible
Step 4. Get an ultrasound
If the gynecologist has decided to perform this examination, then you will be able to listen to the baby's heartbeat as early as the eighth week of gestation.
Step 5. Recognize the various tools
The doctor may use a stethoscope to sense the fetal heartbeat. However, this is not as powerful as the other diagnostic means, so it is likely that it will not be used before the second trimester of pregnancy. Your gynecologist or midwife might also use a Pinard stethoscope, which is specially designed for fetal heartbeats.
Part 3 of 3: Understanding the Fetal Heartbeat
Step 1. Learn about fetal development
When you are expecting a baby, it is important to know the stages of its development. In this way you will know when it is logical to expect to hear the heartbeat and you can relate this information to the other stages of the baby's growth. For example, it is good to know that the gynecologist is able to perceive heart sounds around the eighth, ninth and tenth weeks of gestation.
Remember that the date of conception is not always accurate. Don't be alarmed immediately if you think the baby isn't developing fast enough, as the fertilization date may be a week or two off
Step 2. Keep your heart healthy
There are many things you can do to help your child's heart develop strong and healthy. Avoid alcohol, smoking and drugs during gestation. You should also take folic acid supplements to enhance fetal growth.
Eat a healthy diet and avoid caffeine
Step 3. Recognize the risks
Although you are eager to hear your child's heartbeat, remember that there are some risks associated with using home cardiotocographs. The main drawback is a possible sense of false security conveyed by listening to a healthy heartbeat. For example, you may feel that something is wrong, but listening to your heartbeat you may feel reassured and avoid calling the gynecologist. Remember to pay attention to the signals sent by your body and contact your doctor at the first symptoms of the abnormality. Don't rely too much on these household tools. In some cases, having a cardiotocograph available increases the mother's stress.
Step 4. Bond with the baby
If your doctor agrees, make it a habit to tune in to the fetal heartbeat. This experience allows you to form a strong connection with your child. To relax, try taking a warm bath and talking to the belly. When you are in the advanced stages of gestation, the baby begins to respond to your voice and mood. The fetus is able to perceive sounds as early as the twenty-third week.
Advice
- Share this experience with your partner; it should be an exciting time for both of you.
- Consider using a couple of different methods to find the one that's most comfortable for you.
