Doppler?

[rainbowfairymomma]

Anyone know the con's of using a doppler? I have never really thought about it this time. I don't even think my midwife has one...
Just curious as to what 'harm' it can do?!

[peace_lily_mama]

i have no clue, but i would also like to know. i know there are negative effects of ultrasound, but i think doppler is relatively safe. ???

[bubbles]

I have not researched it, but my midwife won't do it yet and I am due in early March. She said that it is not as strong as a sonogram, but the same idea. Her philosophy is that if the baby is growing then we know it has a heartbeat. She errs on the side of cautiousness and said she will use it once in a while. She uses the fetoscope (sp?) as much as possible instead. BAsically, because of my history with my placenta and complications last time, she anticipates I will need one or more sonograms later. She said she is avoiding doppler as much as she can now so that over the long haul I am not exposed to more than necessary. I hope that all makes sense. I know it is nothing scientific, just the opinion of one midwife (I will add that she is quite experienced and well-educated). In her discussion w/ me she cited recent studies, but I can't quote them.

[slightly crunchy]

According to one of Dr. Sears books (the Birth Book, I think?), the doppler has a bit less energy with regard to ultrasonic waves, but because it is concentrated on one area and for a longer time (especially with fetal monitoring during stress tests or labor), there is still reason to be concerned. I don't know that any study has even been done, like it has with regular ultrasounds, to prove with certainty that it is not harmful.

My personal take is that for checking the heartbeat for a few seconds a few times during the pregnancy, I'm not worried. But, I guess you can never be totally sure, and if it's not necessary, than why do they all use it? :shrug Can't answer that one.

[zebrabelly]

Doppler is more concentrated ultrasound. I can't find it in my textbook right now, but it's not just the way it's used, it actually has to do with the wavelength. In ultrasound it's intermittent, in doppler it's constant. I'll try to figure out my reference and post it.

ETA... My dad is flying into town this morning so it might be awhile before I can get back to this. Don't let me forget! lol

Bonnie

[annakiss]

I know that cells react negatively to ultrasound and babies try to move away from them. Ultrasound machines will burn your skin if you don't use the gel. I had a thread in Homebirth a few weeks ago asking about ultrasound, and some good info was given: http://mothering.com/discussions/showpost.php?p=1974495&postcount=22
and http://mothering.com/discussions/showpost.php?p=1979112&postcount=25 (this one talks specifically about doppler use)... I think that was totally against the rules to post that.... hmm... no one report me! :D