Anonymous wrote:Hi guys - OP here - update. Heard the HB (150, which was definitely too high to be mine, plus it had that gallop-y sound) with the home doppler this AM at 13w3d. Now I'm putting it away for at least a week!!

jindc wrote:I 've thought about it, and I think if you don't know that there are still risks regardless, then I don't know what to tell ya.

I use mine a couple of times a week and will until I can feel movement because it keeps me from going bat shit.

Any intelligent woman knows there are still risks that a Doppler can't identify, which is why there are doctor's visits. I think women who use it every day for an hour are not doing themselves any favors, for 3 minutes a couple times a week? The fumes from my metro commute are far worse.

jindc wrote:I read a lot of research about it before I bought it and I just read what you posted. Yes, I told my OB at my last appointment.

In an ideal world, being pregnant wouldn't stress me out (though, I'm not as stressed now, which is why I use it much less often). I don't treat it like a toy, nor am I unaware of the risks. I don't think people here would care about the risks associated with my not sleeping, my elevated blood pressure from my stress, etc. funny how that works (heck, there's even a thread about 'things I'm against' on the general board, and IVF is one those - IVF comes with increased risks, too - I guess I shouldn't have done that?). My OB said to limit my use (which I do) and now that I'm not as 'fragile' emotionally as I was, I definitely don't rely on it.

I understand where OP is coming from, and she didn't ask to be lectured.

Anonymous wrote:

jindc wrote:I read a lot of research about it before I bought it and I just read what you posted. Yes, I told my OB at my last appointment.

In an ideal world, being pregnant wouldn't stress me out (though, I'm not as stressed now, which is why I use it much less often). I don't treat it like a toy, nor am I unaware of the risks. I don't think people here would care about the risks associated with my not sleeping, my elevated blood pressure from my stress, etc. funny how that works (heck, there's even a thread about 'things I'm against' on the general board, and IVF is one those - IVF comes with increased risks, too - I guess I shouldn't have done that?). My OB said to limit my use (which I do) and now that I'm not as 'fragile' emotionally as I was, I definitely don't rely on it.

I understand where OP is coming from, and she didn't ask to be lectured.

I mean this kindly but if you are getting elevated blood pressure and not sleeping due to fears that your baby is not okay, your doppler should not be the treatment of choice. This is a job for a counselor or something. The results you get from the doppler should not reassure you. You should just consult a magic eight ball for an equally accurate response. You may think it's baby's heartbeat but it might not be, especially if your blood pressure is elevated your pulse might be, too. I think IVF has a pretty obvious benefit, the baby in your arms. But I question why anyone would intentionally expose baby to risk for a meaningless reassurance? If your anxiety is that high, and I mean this kindly, you could benefit from CBT or stress management counseling, and should not rely on a gimmicky and potentially risky toy to achieve it.

BTW, the problem with having a screen name is that you start to get known for things. You are very bristly anytime someone presents you with evidence you don't like. These boards are not a good place to come expecting that people will hold back their opinions. And the fact is, nobody has been unkind to you or OP, we are looking out for you and your baby. You certainly don't have to take my advice or anyone else's, but it's a mixed bag here in terms of what you're going to get. I just find it so strange that often, the same people will studiously avoid caffeine and alcohol, avoid lunch meat, soft cheese, etc, and worry a ton about the pregnancy in the first place would keep doing something that there is actual evidence that might harm it! If your'e so stressed, why invite unnecessary risk?

Anonymous wrote:OP back again - wow, thought this thread would disappear down the boards I think all of us know the risks associated with various things during with pregnancy and choose to mitigate them as best we can. I got my doppler during my last pregnancy, after I was hospitalized after a car accident around 13 weeks. I used it maybe once a week until I could feel movement regularly. This time around I've been a little more anxious - not to the point of raising my blood pressure, not sleeping, etc etc but perhaps as a result of less stress thanks to my now-toddler or my advancing age. I find it reassuring (when I can find the hb, ha!) during the in-between stage, where you're starting to tell people but can't feel movement and don't really look pregnant. Totally to each their own and thanks so much to those who shared thoughts ! Happy and healthy pregnancy wishes to all.

Anonymous wrote:

jindc wrote:I 've thought about it, and I think if you don't know that there are still risks regardless, then I don't know what to tell ya.

I use mine a couple of times a week and will until I can feel movement because it keeps me from going bat shit.

Any intelligent woman knows there are still risks that a Doppler can't identify, which is why there are doctor's visits. I think women who use it every day for an hour are not doing themselves any favors, for 3 minutes a couple times a week? The fumes from my metro commute are far worse.

did you read the contemporary OB gyn evidence-based article? It's well cited and I think you're making the assumption you want to make because you want to use the doppler. With all due respect, you're using it as a toy when there is some evidence of harm. Just read about how doppler is stronger than ultrasound. Doctors recommend that you don't use it. Have you told your OB you're using it this often? Honestly, I don't think you have real evidence to suggest that metro fumes are worse, though obviously in an ideal world you wouldn't have to breathe pollution, either. Just because there are other risks in life does not mean you should ignore the risks you can easily control. The doppler is not proven safe for home use, and there's evidence of some harm. Why in the world would anyone continue to use it - especially as often as 3x a week?

Anonymous wrote:OP back again - wow, thought this thread would disappear down the boards I think all of us know the risks associated with various things during with pregnancy and choose to mitigate them as best we can. I got my doppler during my last pregnancy, after I was hospitalized after a car accident around 13 weeks. I used it maybe once a week until I could feel movement regularly. This time around I've been a little more anxious - not to the point of raising my blood pressure, not sleeping, etc etc but perhaps as a result of less stress thanks to my now-toddler or my advancing age. I find it reassuring (when I can find the hb, ha!) during the in-between stage, where you're starting to tell people but can't feel movement and don't really look pregnant. Totally to each their own and thanks so much to those who shared thoughts ! Happy and healthy pregnancy wishes to all.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

jindc wrote:I 've thought about it, and I think if you don't know that there are still risks regardless, then I don't know what to tell ya.

I use mine a couple of times a week and will until I can feel movement because it keeps me from going bat shit.

Any intelligent woman knows there are still risks that a Doppler can't identify, which is why there are doctor's visits. I think women who use it every day for an hour are not doing themselves any favors, for 3 minutes a couple times a week? The fumes from my metro commute are far worse.

did you read the contemporary OB gyn evidence-based article? It's well cited and I think you're making the assumption you want to make because you want to use the doppler. With all due respect, you're using it as a toy when there is some evidence of harm. Just read about how doppler is stronger than ultrasound. Doctors recommend that you don't use it. Have you told your OB you're using it this often? Honestly, I don't think you have real evidence to suggest that metro fumes are worse, though obviously in an ideal world you wouldn't have to breathe pollution, either. Just because there are other risks in life does not mean you should ignore the risks you can easily control. The doppler is not proven safe for home use, and there's evidence of some harm. Why in the world would anyone continue to use it - especially as often as 3x a week?

I agree 100x. No home Doppler use!!!!!!!!

+2 I wouldn't point ultrasound waves at my baby without necessity either.