Pregnancy Concerns

Are Fetal Dopplers Safe to Use During Pregnancy?

*The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) has addressed the concerns relating to the safety of ultrasound and has issued the following statement as of March 1993: "Diagnostic ultrasound has been in use since the late 1950's." Given its known benefits and recognized efficacy for medical diagnosis, including use during human pregnancy, the AIUM herein addresses the clinical safety of such use:

"No confirmed biological effects on patients or instrument operators caused by exposure at intensities typical of present diagnostic ultrasound instruments have ever been reported. Although the possibility exists that such biological effects may be identified in the future, current data indicate that the benefits to patients of the prudent use of diagnostic ultrasound outweigh the risks, if any, that may be present."

Most manufacturers of diagnostic fetal doppler heart monitors make every effort to use as low an ultrasound power as practical. There are standardized regulations for any and all dopplers sold in the United States and Canada. Be sure if you are going to buy or rent a fetal doppler that the device has been FDA approved and speak with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about renting or purchasing a device for home use.

Is it Better to Purchase or Rent a Fetal Doppler?

Renting a fetal doppler during pregnancy has become very popular. Over the last few years the internet has exploded with rental companies enabling women the freedom to hear thier baby's heartbeats in the comfort of thier own homes.  

Up until recently fetal dopplers were far to expensive to purchase (as high as $800.00 USD) However, thanks to some creative developments overseas there are now affordable fetal dopplers available from companies like Hi Bebe at a much lower price point of only $139.99 

That makes the decision more difficult, do I rent one for $40 for a few months or do I just buy one? Purchasing a fetal doppler device could save your money in the long run, then again, what do you want with a fetal doppler after your children are born?

Basically the choice is yours however, there are a few points to consider. With the rental companies you are often getting a top of the line fetal doppler with a highly sensitive probe used for hearing heartbeats as early as about 10 weeks (some even earlier!) These devices generally sell for about $500-$800 US but you can rent them for a fraction of the price for as long or as liitle as you wish. These devices are usually the very same ones that your doctor uses. 

The fetal dopplers on the market that are available for purchase use the same technology as the ones used by the rental companies but are usually not able to pick up the heartbeat until after about 12 weeks. They also may not be as durable as the rental company's dopplers and may be more likely to break if dropped. Also, purchasing a doppler may not come with much customer support should you run into any trouble finding your baby's heartbeat. Many of the companies selling dopplers also sell many other types of medical supplies and may not have the experience or the same type of customer service care offered by a rental company..

However, for economic reasons if you plan to keep your doppler for more than a few months or plan to have additional children it may be a wise decision to go ahead and buy one rather to rent one. Fact is, they both work pretty much the same after about 12 weeks. 

Most imporantly though, be sure that whatever device you choose to rent or buy has FDA approval first. The FDA regulates and tests each doppler to be sure it is safe for use.