Skip to main content
If you have concerns about your baby’s movement or wellbeing — contact your healthcare provider immediately. Do not rely on a home doppler to assess whether a concern is serious.

​
I Can’t Find the Heartbeat

This is the most common concern. In most cases, it is due to technique, positioning, or gestational age — not a sign that something is wrong.

​
Step-by-Step: Finding the Heartbeat

  1. Check your gestational age. Before 12 weeks, detecting with a home doppler is unreliable. The uterus is still behind the pubic bone and the target is very small. Try again at 12–14 weeks.
  2. Apply enough gel. Dry skin absorbs ultrasound waves. Apply a generous amount of ultrasound gel (or aloe vera in a pinch) directly to the lower abdomen.
  3. Start in the right position. Lie flat on your back with a pillow under your hips. A slightly full bladder can help push the uterus up for earlier detection.
  4. Start low. Begin just above your pubic hairline — lower than most people expect. The uterus sits low early in pregnancy.
  5. Angle the probe. Point it slightly downward toward your pelvis, not straight up. A 30–45 degree angle from vertical often works best.
  6. Move slowly. Move the probe in small increments — about 1cm at a time. The signal zone is small, especially before 16 weeks.
  7. Listen carefully. The fetal heartbeat sounds like a fast “whoosh-whoosh” at 120–180 BPM. The placenta sounds like a slower rushing sound. Your own pulse is 60–100 BPM.
  8. Try a different time. Baby’s position changes throughout the day. If you can’t find it now, try again in a few hours.

​
When You Still Can’t Find It

  • Before 14 weeks: this is normal. Try again next week.
  • 14–16 weeks: try the steps above; if still unsuccessful after multiple sessions over several days, contact your provider.
  • After 16 weeks: if you consistently cannot find the heartbeat using correct technique, contact your healthcare provider.

​
The Sound Quality Is Poor or Staticky

Causes and fixes:
  • Not enough gel — add more, cover the entire probe contact area
  • Air bubbles in gel — spread gel slowly to avoid trapping air
  • Probe not making full contact — press gently but firmly and ensure full skin contact
  • Body hair or scar tissue — may require slightly more pressure or gel in affected areas

​
I Hear a Whooshing Sound But No Clear Heartbeat

You may be hearing:
  • Placental blood flow — slower rushing sound, follows your heart rate (60–100 BPM)
  • Your own aorta (pulse) — slow and rhythmic
  • Umbilical cord — distinct swishing sound
To distinguish fetal heart tones: look for the BPM reading on the display. Fetal heart rate = 120–180 BPM. If the reading is below 100 BPM, you’re hearing your own pulse.

​
The Device Won’t Turn On

  • Check that the 9V battery is correctly installed and fully charged
  • Replace the battery if it is more than 6 months old
  • Ensure the battery contacts are clean and making good contact

​
The BPM Reading Seems Wrong

  • BPM readings below 100 usually indicate you are reading your own pulse, not the baby’s
  • Fetal heart rate should be 110–180 BPM depending on gestational age and activity level
  • Repositioning the probe will usually resolve this

​
The Display Is Flickering or Dim

  • Replace the 9V battery — low battery is the most common cause
  • Ensure battery contacts are clean

​
When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider

Always contact your provider — not just rely on the doppler — if:
  • You are past 16 weeks and consistently cannot find the heartbeat
  • You previously found the heartbeat regularly and can no longer find it
  • Baby’s movements have reduced or stopped
  • You experience cramping, bleeding, pain, or any unusual symptoms
  • You are unsure whether what you’re hearing is the baby’s heartbeat

Shop HeartBeats™ Fetal Doppler

FDA-Cleared · 2.5 MHz · 2-Year Warranty · $79