Fetal Doppler

A fetal doppler is a handheld device which uses sound waves to hear a fetal heartbeat. Doctors and nurses use these medical devices in the later stage of first trimester (T1) of pregnancy as part of routine prenatal care. Nowadays, fetal dopplers are sold across chemists for at-home use.

Unlike a scan that produces an image, a handheld doppler simply picks up the sound of your baby’s heartbeat, which many parents find reassuring to hear. It is meant to complement, not replace, your regular antenatal check-ups, and the sound it picks up can be affected by your baby’s position, the position of the placenta and how far along you are. If you are using one at home, a quiet or hard-to-find heartbeat is not always a cause for concern, but it is worth speaking to your doctor if you are worried.

What a Fetal Doppler Scan Checks

A fetal doppler scan measures blood flow between you, the placenta, and your baby, giving your care team insight beyond what a standard ultrasound image alone can show. Fetal doppler ultrasound is typically recommended in the third trimester, or earlier if there are specific concerns worth monitoring closely, such as reduced fetal movement or slower than expected growth. Reduced blood flow measurements don’t automatically mean something is wrong, but they do prompt closer attention and, sometimes, more frequent monitoring going forward.