Our dopplers are the same medical grade dopplers that your doctor uses and are able to detect a fetal heartrate as early as 8-10 weeks. However, due to factors such as, the position of the fetus, size and shape of mother's uterus, size of the mother's body some people may not be able to hear the heartbeat until closer to 10-12 weeks (very tall and/or overweight people may have more difficulties hearing the heartbeat before 10 or 12 weeks). Typically, most of our customers have reported hearing the heartbeat between 10-14 weeks.

Are Sonotrax fetal dopplers safe to use?

Doppler ultrasound is regulated by Health Canada the FDA. Years of studies have shown no harmful effects on the fetus. The Mayo Clinic states "In 30 years of regular use, no adverse effects have ever been demonstrated from ultrasound testing. Research has been done investigating both the noise produced in utero and the heat produced by ultrasound, and no problems have ever been detected from its use in exposed babies. There is no reason to feel uncomfortable about the use of ultrasound during pregnancy and there are great benefits to using it."

I am having trouble hearing my baby's heartbeat, does that mean something is wrong?

Not detecting a fetal heartbeat (especially in the first trimester) is NOT an indication that something is wrong with your baby. Sometimes it takes a few tries to get used to using a fetal doppler, especially in the first trimester. Make sure that you are using a good amount of gel and place the probe directly on top of the gel (the gel acts as the transducing agent).

The Sonotrax fetal doppler should not be used in any way for diagnostic or medical purposes by anyone other than a medical professional.

• The Sonotrax fetal doppler should not be used as a substitute for regular prenatal care by a medical practitioner. Any concerns about your pregnancy should be addressed to your care provider.
• Fetal heartbeat is not the only indicator of fetal well being, if you have any concerns please consult with your care provider.

I have run out of gel what should I use?

You may either purchase more from us here or your local medical supplies store should be able to help you. Aloe vera gel works well, is gentle enough for your skin and wont damage the probe. Hand cream or vaseline will also work although there is some speculation that it may cause damage to the probe.

What is the difference between a 3 Mhz and a 2 Mhz probe?

A 3 Mhz probe has a wider beam so it is more sensitive than a 2 Mhz probe and can pick up baby's heartbeat as early as 8-10 weeks gestation. A 2Mhz probe tends to work best after 10-12 weeks and on overweight or very tall women. Typically though, a 3 Mhz probe work better early on and throughout the rest of pregnancy.

What do your dopplers come with?

All of our dopplers come with digital display with which you are able to see your baby's heartrate (the number of beats per minute). Our dopplers come complete with a convenient carrying case and one tube of doppler gel and easy to follow instructions. 

What is your return policy?

We offer a 7 day money back guarantee and 1 year warranty on all of our dopplers. If for any reason you are unsatisfied with your doppler, simply call or email us within 7 days and we will offer you a full refund, less the shipping charges.

I am hearing two heartbeats, does this mean I am having twins?

No, not necessarily. It is very possible to hear the heartbeat in more than one place especially later on in pregnancy. If you are picking up a heartbeat in two locations at roughly the same rate (within 10 bpm or so) then assume its just a single baby's heartbeat in two places. However, if you are picking up a heartbeat in two locations at drastically differnent beats per minute (ei: one is 130 and one is 160) then that may be more of an indication of twins. The only way to be sure if you are having twins though, is through an ultrasound.

What is considered to be normal for a fetal heart rate?

A normal fetal heart rate is usually between 120 and 180 beats per minute and vary according to fetal age and activity level at the time.

How much gel should I use?

You need to use about a quarter sized blob at first, do not rub it into your skin but rather place the probe directly on top of the gel. The gel acts as a conducting agent and will help to give you an accurate heart rate display and good clear sound.