So, you are pregnant, congratulations on that! Yes, the best period of your life is about to begin. Becoming a mum for the first time is a very exciting time but it can also be a bit unnerving. You probably want to know what’s happening with your baby in your body all the time and that’s completely understandable. It is normal for you to want some reassurance that everything is OK. And trust me, you are not alone. Many women feel anxious or are just looking to bond with their baby as often as possible, which makes at-home fetal dopplers very popular devices. A fetal doppler is a hand-held ultrasound device that uses soundwaves to listen to the fetus’ heartbeat.
For most people, hearing the heartbeat of their little one at the doctor’s office is reassuring, joyful and magical experience and the time between those appointments can seem like an eternity. This is why many new parents love the idea of owning an at-home baby monitor that will help them to ease their anxiety and feel more connected to their baby. It is important to remember that your home fetal doppler should not be used to replace regular doctor visits, but it should be used between them. Fetal dopplers come with specific operating instructions but there is another thing without which a fetal doppler cannot work and that’s the fetal doppler gel.
What gel can you use for a fetal doppler?
Ultrasonic gels are available in different sizes and formulations. For example, I use the Sunsonic ultrasound transmission gel, which is quite popular among many doctor’s offices and medical centres. This fetal doppler gel is water-soluble, non-greasy and does not irritate the tissues or damages the ultrasound applicator or electrodes. It spreads very evenly and easily and it is an effective coupling medium for ultrasound transmission. The gel’s content includes humectant, polymer, water and approved food colour and preservatives.
The purpose of baby heartbeat monitor gel
Doppler gels are placed on the treatment area (on the skin) before the beginning of an ultrasound procedure. They can be used for a few different purposes, including various treatments, procedures and routine exams. Ultrasound technology uses an ultrasound transducer or probe that sends a pulse of high-frequency sound waves to the tissue of the patient. The doppler gel that is placed on the patient’s skin is slowly spread across the treatment area. In this procedure, the ultrasound gels are considered as a conductive medium that transmits the waves that are further transmitted to a computer screen (speaking of doctor’s office fetal doppler) for a sonographer to view. The screen shows a real-time picture of the baby also allowing to make a screenshot image if needed. Apart from being used for checking the development of unborn babies, ultrasonic gels can be applied to many different areas, therefore they are an important tool in many different treatments, procedures and exams.
Remember, the more gel you apply, the better results you will get. So, the next time you want to hear your’s baby heartbeat, make sure you apply enough of it. The fetal doppler gel is composed of propylene glycol and water and it is formulated to reduce overall static. The gel is sticky and thick and the sticky texture is important so that it doesn’t drip off the skin when the sonographer is making the ultrasound.
The most common complaint about the doppler ultrasound gel is the fact that it feels cold when first applied to the skin. Gel warmers are very useful units but they are generally used in medical centres and doctor’s offices. They are designed to keep the gel bottles warm and increase the patient’s comfort. Gel warmers are easy to use and are available in a few different configurations including multi-bottle and single bottle units. They are made for multiple uses and consist of high-quality materials.
How to use an at-home fetal doppler?
Once you decide to buy an at-home doppler to keep track of your baby’s heartbeat, you will receive the device along with the operating instructions. However, keep in mind these few things. Once you unpack the doppler, you need to insert batteries. Put yourself in a comfortable position, lift up your top and move your pants down slightly. Then, apply the baby heart monitor gel to your lower belly, turn the doppler on and slowly move it around until you can hear your baby’s heartbeat. Remember, the earlier you are in the pregnancy, the lower you’ll need to go.
The desire to use a fetal doppler at home is very understandable and it is completely okay to use this device. However, make sure you use it properly and never rely only on your device to diagnose any issues with you or your baby. You should never miss your prenatal appointments with your doctor. You can also get an opinion or advice from your doctor about using an at-home doppler. Don’t be afraid to ask any questions you may have. Knowing the answers will certainly make you feel less concerned and more comfortable during your pregnancy.
