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Using Dopplers |
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How does Ultrasound work? |
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Ultrasound is a medical detection technique that uses high frequency sound waves and their echoes. The technique is similar
to the method used by bats, whales and dolphins, as well as SONAR used by submarines. Ultrasound devices transmit sound
pulses into your body using a probe, which are reflected back to the probe once they come across an object. The time taken
for the pulse to get returned is translated into a picture or sound.
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How do Doppler Ultrasound devices work? |
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Doppler ultrasound is based upon the Doppler Effect. When the object reflecting the ultrasound waves is moving, it changes
the frequency of the echoes, creating a higher frequency if it is moving toward the probe and a lower frequency if it is
moving away from the probe. How much the frequency is changed depends upon how fast the object is moving. Doppler ultrasound
measures the change in frequency of the echoes to calculate how fast an object is moving.
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How early can the Doppler pick up the fetal heartbeat? |
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Our Dopplers can pick up some fetal heartbeats as early as 7-8 weeks, however, the product specifications recommend an average of 10-12 weeks which
is when most hospital scans are conducted.
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Why do I need Ultrasound gel? |
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Applying a layer of ultrasound coupling gel between the doppler sensor and tummy can ensure a clear signal for detecting the fetal heart beat. Doppler sound waves do not travel easily through the air and so without the use of coupling gel, high interference prevents a clearly audible sound.
Our Dopplers come with a 50g tube of ultrasound gel. You can order more from our website at any time by using our Order page
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Tips on using Fetal Doppler Monitors |
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- A full bladder often helps.
- Early in pregnancy it is good to start in the middle of the abdomen (in line with the belly button) but right above the
pubic hair line. If you have already heard the heartbeat at the doctor's office, this is always a good place to start looking.
- Move the probe slowly - it is easy to scan over the heartbeat.
- Tilt the probe downward toward the pubic bone.
- Be sure to use plenty of Doppler gel. If you run out, you can always order more.
- It is normal at times to pick up the baby's heartbeat in more than one place. You may hear the same heartbeat a few inches apart
- do not be alarmed, the Doppler is just intersecting the heart in a different location. Physicians listen for the difference in two heartbeats to determine if there are two fetuses.
- If you are carrying twins, it can be difficult to distinguish between heartbeats (even physicians have a hard time with
this). It is best to count the heartbeats and find two different rates.
- If you can’t hear anything, then don’t panic. Often, especially early on, it can take a while to detect the heartbeat. If unsuccessful, try going for a walk or doing some other activity to
encourage the baby to change position.
- The baby’s heartbeat will be a lot faster than your own, nearly twice as fast, so it is easy to get confused to begin with as to which is your heartbeat and which is the fetal heartbeat. It is a good idea to take your pulse-rate when you come across a heartbeat to give you some idea as the whether it is yours or the fetal heartbeat.
- You will hear lots of other sounds with your Doppler. These include the placenta, which can be heard as a whooshing sound and the crashing and banging of your baby moving about.
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