> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.sonohealth.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Fetal Doppler Troubleshooting — Can't Find Heartbeat & Common Issues
> Can't find your baby's heartbeat with the SonoHealth HeartBeats™ Fetal Doppler? Here are the most common reasons and step-by-step solutions. Always contact your provider if you have concerns.
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 110–160 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 = 110–160 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
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