Fetal Heart Rate: What’s Normal?

Posted on September 28, 2006 by Pattie Hughes

Hearing your baby’s heart beat for the very first time is one of the magical moments in any pregnancy. When you hear your baby, it makes the pregnancy feel so real and exciting. For most women, this is one of the highlights of pregnancy. It’s our evidence that the baby is healthy and strong. Your medical caregiver will probably monitor the heart beat at every visit. You may make a mental note of the baby’s heart rate and compare this number at each visit. Any change in this number may make you nervous. You need to keep in mind that … Continue reading →

Renting a Fetal Doppler

Posted on March 25, 2006 by Pattie Hughes

Several companies offer fetal Dopplers for home use. These devices are similar to those used in the doctor’s office during your regular prenatal visits. There are pros and cons to monitoring your baby’s heartbeat at home. For some women, hearing the fetal heartbeat is reassuring. It was for me. Since I have had three miscarriages, I get very nervous in the first trimester. I got a fetal Doppler and listened in when I found myself getting nervous about the baby or feeling crampy. Without the Doppler, I would have been a nervous wreck and would have driven the doctor crazy … Continue reading →