If you are an expectant mother or know someone who is, you can now keep a closer eye – or ear – on your baby’s health with a fetal heart monitor. A fetal heart monitor is exactly what it sounds like: it keeps track of your baby’s heart rate and allows you to listen to it as well. Pregnancy, especially for new mothers, can be a nervous time with many potential fears. But having your own personal fetal heart monitor can help alleviate some of those fears. By knowing your baby is happy and safe, you will be able to relax and continue to keep your baby comfortable.
Features of a Home Fetal Heart Monitor
These days, a fetal heart monitor does not have to be a heavy, bulky machine only found in the doctor’s office, but is now available in a smaller, lightweight version. Generally, a fetal heart monitor consists of a pre-angled probe connected to the listening Doppler with speakers and volume adjustment. Ultrasound lotion also comes with the monitor to create a slick surface to allow for easy movement of the probe. Some models of a fetal heart monitor will display the heart rate, while others will merely show the beats as they occur, but you can simply count the number of beats for 10 seconds and multiply it by 6 to determine the heart rate. Another innovative feature of the home fetal heart monitor is the ability to record your baby’s heart rate and include it in an e-mail to send to all your friends and family so that they might experience the joy of hearing your baby’s heart rate as well.
Cost of a Home Fetal Heart Monitor
A personal fetal heart monitor can be a great gift for an expectant mother and is relatively affordable. A state-of-the-art fetal heart monitor with a digital screen and recording for e-mail capabilities can be purchased for less than $200. Renting a fetal heart monitor is also an option and can usually be done for less than $30. Whether you buy or rent, it is helpful to verify that the model you acquire is approved by the FDA and/or by your physician. Oftentimes you can buy or rent a home fetal heart monitor from your hospital or doctor’s office; if not, there is always the Internet. Your physician will be glad to give you recommendations for the best and most affordable models.
Benefits of a Home Fetal Heart Monitor
Having your own personal home fetal heart monitor can be very useful and valuable during your pregnancy. Here are a few of the reasons why you should consider obtaining your own:
- Being able to hear your baby’s heart beat anytime you want, anywhere you want.
- Forming a bond with your baby by listening to his or her heart beat during pregnancy.
- Sharing the joy of pregnancy with others by listening to your baby’s heart beat.
- Having peace of mind, knowing your baby is healthy, happy, and safe throughout your pregnancy.
By Monica Drusch