Fetal Doppler FAQ

  • How does the fetal doppler work?
    The Fetal Doppler listens to reflections of small, high frequency sound waves that are reflected off of the fetal heart. Since high frequency sound waves do not travel readily through air, a liquid such as water, oil, or special gel (ultrasound lotion) is applied to the fetal doppler as well as the mother's belly in order for the Fetal Doppler's probe to detect these sound waves. These signals are picked up by the Fetal Doppler and are processed and amplified so that they are audible in the Fetal Doppler's speaker or earphone and you are able to hear your baby's heartbeat, like magic!

  • Is the BellyBeats Fetal Doppler safe to use?
    Constant testing is done by U.S. governmental agencies and no adverse risks to the baby or mother have been detected. The Mayo clinic states that "In 30 years of regular use, no adverse effects have ever been demonstrated from ultrasound testing. Research has been done investigating both the noise produced in the utero and the heat produced by ultrasound, and no problems have ever been detected from it's use in exposed babies. There is no reason to feel uncomfortable about the use of ultrasound during pregnancy and there are great benefits to using it."

    The FDA does require that you contact your doctor and gain consent prior to using a fetal doppler.

  • What if I can't find the baby's heartbeat?
    Perhaps the baby is positioned in a way that prevents the Fetal Doppler from detecting the heartbeat so you should wait a while and try again. Please refer to our tips on using the BellyBeats Fetal Doppler for specific instructions or feel free to give us a call during our regular customer service hours.

  • How do I distinguish my heartbeat from the baby's?
    Your baby's heartbeat is much faster than your own. Sometimes it sounds like the fast "clippety-clop" of a galloping horse. You can distinguish your heartbeat from your baby's based on the heart rate, yours being the slower one. When using the Fetal Doppler, you may also hear a "swishing" sound, this is the sound of your blood flow.

  • How many heartbeats per minute will I hear?
    The baby's heartbeat is usually between 120 and 160 beats per minute, much faster than your own.

  • Do I need a special lotion or ultrasound gel for the Fetal Doppler?
    You will receive one 2 oz. tube of ultrasound gel with your BellyBeats Fetal Doppler. If you run out of gel, you may order more from us by clicking on Ordering from our homepage and choosing either the small 60 g/ 2 oz. tube or the large 8.5 oz. bottle of ultrasound lotion. You may also try body lotion, mineral oil, or vitamin E oil as they have been found to work just as well for other customers. Please give us a call if you have any questions.

  • What if the light on the BellyBeats Fetal Doppler Monitor is red?
    If you see a red light when turning the Doppler on, first make sure that the cord is connected to the Doppler and Probe. If the light is still red, or is blinking green, this indicates that the battery needs to be replaced. Simply open the battery compartment door located on the back of the unit, take out the old battery and insert a "new" 9-volt alkaline battery.

  • What if the LCD display on the BellyBeats Digital Fetal Doppler is flashing?
    The battery needs to be replaced with a 9-volt alkaline battery.

  • How does the Billing of the Fetal Doppler work?
    We will charge the initial rental fee to the credit card given on the day the BellyBeats Doppler is shipped, and on the same day every month thereafter until the unit is returned or purchased.

  • What if I decide to purchase the BellyBeats Fetal Doppler?
    All rental fees paid apply toward the purchase of the Fetal Doppler, as well as any prior rental fees if this is your second time renting the BellyBeats Fetal Doppler Monitor.

  • Is there a minimum amount of time required on the Fetal Doppler rental?
    No, you can rent either one of our BellyBeats Fetal Dopplers for as long as you like!


Do you have any further questions? Please Contact Us Or call 1-866-MOMMY2B
Fetal Doppler Monitor - Rental
Fetal Doppler Monitor - Rental
Fetal Doppler Monitor - Purchase
Fetal Doppler Monitor - Purchase
Tell a friend about this article:  

Fetal Doppler FAQ