5 Tips on How to Listen to Your Baby’s Heartbeat During Pregnancy

Discover five tips for listening to your baby’s heartbeat during pregnancy and get excited!

During pregnancy, hearing your baby’s heartbeat is an exciting experience and an important indicator. With technology, it is possible to do this via cell phone.

In this guide, I will give you some tips to help you hear your baby’s heartbeat during pregnancy. Follow along!

1. What’s the Best Way to Listen to Your Baby’s Heartbeat?

There are several ways to listen to your baby’s heartbeat during pregnancy, each with advantages and limitations. Know your options to choose the best one. Check it out below:

Ultrasonography

Ultrasonography is one of the most common and effective methods for listening to the baby’s heartbeat. During an ultrasound, your healthcare professional uses a device that emits sound waves to create an image of your baby and amplify the sound of your baby’s heart.

In addition to listening to the heartbeat, ultrasound allows you to visualize the development of the fetus, ensuring detailed monitoring of the pregnancy.

Fetal Doppler

Fetal Doppler is a portable device that uses sound waves to amplify the sound of the baby’s heartbeat during pregnancy. It is very accurate and can be used from the 12th week of pregnancy.

It is typically used by healthcare professionals, but there are versions available for purchase that allow for use at home.

Cellular apps

Several applications transform your cell phone into a mini-doppler, using the microphone to capture and amplify the baby’s heartbeat. A practical and affordable option, ideal for recording and sharing this special moment.

Stethoscope

For those who prefer traditional methods, a stethoscope may be a good choice. From the 18th to 20th week of pregnancy, it is possible to listen to the baby’s heartbeat using a quality stethoscope. Although it is not as easy to use as a Doppler, it does not emit radiation and is completely safe.

2. Tips for a Better Experience When Listening to Your Baby’s Heart

To make the experience even more magical and relaxing, follow these tips:

• Choose the ideal time: Look for a peaceful and quiet environment, free from external noise. Avoid moments right after meals or intense physical activities, as these can make it difficult to capture sound.
• Position yourself correctly: Lie on your back with your legs bent and place a pillow under your head for greater comfort. Locate the lower abdomen region with the help of a Doppler, stethoscope or app, and explore different positions until you find the ideal point to hear the heartbeat.
• Be patient!: It’s not always easy to find the heart sound right away. Stay calm, persist in the search and explore different positions. With a little practice, you will be able to identify the accelerated rhythm of your little one’s heart.
• Relax and enjoy the moment: Hearing your baby’s heartbeat during pregnancy is a unique and exciting experience. Focus on this special moment, feel the connection with your baby and enjoy this symphony of life that is forming inside you.

3. How Does a Baby’s Heartbeat Change During Pregnancy?

Throughout pregnancy, your baby’s heart rate goes through different phases:

1. First weeks: Between 5 and 8 weeks, the little heart begins to beat, with an initial frequency of around 100 beats per minute (bpm).
2. First trimester: Heart rate gradually increases, reaching an average of 140-170 bpm by the end of the trimester.
3. Second trimester: From the 14th week onwards, the heart rate begins to gradually decrease, stabilizing between 110 and 160 bpm until the end of the trimester.
4. Third trimester: Heart rate remains relatively stable between 110 and 140 bpm until delivery.

4. Apps to Listen to Baby’s Heart: Which is Best for You?

Several applications transform your cell phone, allowing you to hear your baby’s heartbeat during pregnancy whenever you want. Some of the most popular are:

• BabyDoppler: The app allows you to listen and monitor your baby’s heartbeat during pregnancy, providing an exciting and comforting experience.
• My Baby Heart Sounds App: Listen and record your baby’s heartbeat using just your cell phone.
• Sprout Pregnancy: Have a comprehensive applicationto track the baby’s development and mother’s health during pregnancy.
• Hear My Baby: This innovative tool turns your cell phone into a baby’s heart rate monitor during pregnancy.

5. Factors that can influence the baby’s heart rate

It is important to highlight that fetal heart rate can vary throughout the day, influenced by several factors:

• Baby’s movements: When the baby actively moves, the heart rate tends to increase temporarily.
• Maternal breathing: Changes in the mother’s breathing, such as holding her breath or sudden movements, can affect the baby’s heart rate momentarily.
• Maternal activity level: Intense physical exercise can temporarily increase the baby’s heart rate.
• Maternal stress: High levels of maternal stress can cause changes in the baby’s heart rate.
• Maternal medical conditions: Some maternal medical conditions, such as anemia or diabetes, can affect blood flow to the baby and, consequently, its heart rate.

Conclusion

With modern technology, there are several ways to do this, from traditional devices like ultrasound, fetal Doppler and stethoscopes, to cell phone apps that allow you to listen to your baby’s heart in a convenient and accessible way.

Enjoy every moment of this unique and exciting journey, and use these tips to make the experience of hearing your baby’s heartbeat during pregnancy even more special.

And remember, if you have any questions or concerns, consult your doctor as soon as possible.