What You Need
- HeartBeats™ Fetal Doppler device
- Ultrasound gel (water-based conductive gel — available at pharmacies, or the gel included with your device)
- A comfortable, reclined position
- Quiet environment (to hear the audio clearly)
Do not substitute ultrasound gel with lotion, coconut oil, or other substances. Only water-based ultrasound gel properly conducts the 2.5 MHz signal to the probe tip.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare
Lie down on a flat surface (bed or couch) with your knees slightly bent and lower abdomen exposed. A full bladder can help push the uterus up and forward in early pregnancy, making detection easier in weeks 10–14.Step 2: Apply Ultrasound Gel
Apply a generous amount of ultrasound gel to your lower abdomen — the area just above the pubic bone. In early pregnancy (12–16 weeks), start just above the hairline. As pregnancy progresses, the uterus rises and you’ll search progressively higher.Step 3: Power On the Device
Turn on the HeartBeats™ device. The LCD display will activate, showing a readout screen ready to display BPM once a signal is detected.Step 4: Place the Probe
Place the probe flat against your gel-coated abdomen. Hold it at a slight angle (about 45 degrees toward your feet) and apply gentle, consistent pressure — not forceful pressing.Step 5: Slowly Move the Probe
Move the probe slowly in small circles or fan it slightly from side to side. Do not rush. In early pregnancy, the target area is small and the baby is mobile. Take 30–60 seconds in each position before moving. Search pattern:- Start low — just above the pubic bone, center
- Move slightly left, then right at the same horizontal level
- Move slightly higher and repeat
- Continue until you locate the heartbeat
Step 6: Identify the Fetal Heartbeat
When you locate the fetal heartbeat, you’ll hear a rapid, rhythmic “galloping” sound and the LCD will display a BPM reading between 110 and 160. This is the fetal heart rate. If the BPM reads 60–80 and you hear a slower sound — that’s your own pulse from the uterine artery. Move the probe to find the faster fetal signal.Step 7: Listen and Record
Once found, hold the probe steady and listen. The HeartBeats™ LCD will display the real-time BPM. You can note this for your own records or share with your OB at your next appointment. Limit each session to 5–10 minutes as a good practice.Step 8: Clean Up
Wipe the gel from your abdomen and clean the probe tip with a soft, damp cloth. Do not submerge the device in water.Troubleshooting
| Problem | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Can’t find heartbeat before 12 weeks | Uterus still below pubic bone | Try again at 12–14 weeks |
| Hearing a slow rhythm (~60–80 BPM) | Maternal pulse / uterine artery | Move probe slightly; you’ve found your heartbeat |
| Scratchy, static sounds | Probe moving on skin/gel | Apply more gel; move more slowly |
| No sound at all | Insufficient gel or probe contact | Add more gel; ensure device is on |
| BPM reading jumps erratically | Baby moving or probe slipping | Hold probe steadier; use more gel |
Tips for Success
- Warm the gel slightly in your hands before applying — cold gel can make abdominal muscles tense
- In early pregnancy, try after drinking 16oz of water 30 minutes before (full bladder assists in early pregnancy)
- Second and third trimester: baby is larger and harder to miss — try near the belly button area
- If baby is breech, the heart may be higher than expected
Related: When to Start Using · Normal Ranges · FAQ