Do I have to check the heartbeat?

[MiaMama]

So,
I know my daughter HATED the doppler the midwives used. She moved away from it, kicked it, and I am not 100% convinced they are really all that safe. So, I am wondering if the baby is moving a lot, are there still good reasons to listen to the HB in pregnancy? I understand that it is a good idea in labor, but do I really need to hear it at my 32 wk appt for any good reason?

TIA

[BlackSheepPDX]

This far along, it seems like they should just be able to use the fetoscope instead if you prefer.

[Belle]

Originally Posted by BlackSheepPDX

This far along, it seems like they should just be able to use the fetoscope instead if you prefer.

[MiaMama]

I will ask if they have/know how to use one.

But I am still curious, if there is good fetal movement, does checking the heartbeat/heartrate give important information?

[MaerynPearl]

yes indeed! heart rate is the easiest way to see that the baby is doing fine... even constant movement does not tell you that (if babies are stressed... sometimes they actually move more rather than less... but their heartrate would change with that stress)

[umsami]

Originally Posted by MiaMama

I will ask if they have/know how to use one.

Any Midwife would know how to use one... and owns one. Pretty standard. It looks like this:
http://midwifesupplies.com/Fetoscope...etoscopes.html

They may also use a Pinard horn (showing pic from a different site just 'cause I love these... handcrafted from wood):
http://www.1cascade.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=0194

[elf_babykins]

How early can you request they use a fetoscope?

[MaerynPearl]

around 20 weeks they may be able to use it... it may take a bit longer than that though, depending on the babys position, placenta, etc.