Short answer: Early on, start very low, just above the pubic bone, and angle the probe slightly down. As your pregnancy grows, the best spot usually moves up and to the side. Use plenty of gel and move slowly in small circles.
These tips work for most home dopplers, including ours. Take your time, and remember: this is about listening, not checking.
At 8 and 9 weeks
It's usually too early for a home doppler. Your uterus is still small and sits low behind the pubic bone, so even a careful search often finds nothing. That's normal. Many moms first hear the heartbeat between weeks 10 and 12, and for some it's week 14 or later. See when you can hear the heartbeat with a doppler.
At 10 and 11 weeks
Lie back and start just above the pubic bone, in the middle. Tilt the probe down, toward your pelvis, and sweep very slowly from side to side. Some moms find it easier with a fuller bladder, which can lift the uterus a little. If you hear nothing, try again in a few days.
From 12 to 20 weeks
Still start low, then move a little to the left or right of center. The heartbeat often gets easier to find from week 12 on, but baby moves a lot, so give it a few minutes.
20 to 32 weeks
Baby has more room to move. Try below your belly button, a little to the left or right. Move slowly; baby may shift during the session.
32 to 40 weeks
The heartbeat is often easiest to hear through baby's back, which may be higher and to one side. Many moms find it opposite from where they feel the most kicks.
Tips that help at every stage
- Use plenty of gel.
- Move slowly, in small circles, and pause on each spot.
- Keep sessions short. A few minutes is plenty.
Have an anterior placenta? Read our tips for an anterior placenta. Not sure which week to start? Try our Heartbeat Finder. For the full first-session walk-through, read our step-by-step guide to using a fetal doppler at home. When you're ready, our at-home fetal doppler kit has the doppler, gel, a soft pouch and batteries in one box.
If you're ever worried, call your healthcare provider.
Not a substitute for prenatal care.