A fetal heart monitor can be used to listen to the fetal heartbeat. Pregnant women can start using a fetal heart monitor from week 12, and it is recommended to use a Doppler fetal heart monitor once a day. In the second trimester, when the fetus becomes active, the fetal heart monitor can be used every 2-3 days. In the third trimester, pregnant women are prone to conditions such as umbilical cord around the neck, respiratory distress, and intrauterine hypoxia in the fetus. In such cases, it is best to use the fetal heart monitor 2-3 times a day or whenever discomfort is felt.

Notes on Measuring Fetal Heart Rate

1. Home fetal heart monitors are generally used to listen to the fetal heartbeat three times a day: 30 minutes after waking up in the morning, 60 minutes after lunch, and 30 minutes before going to bed at night. Each time, listen for 2-3 minutes. The normal fetal heart rate range is 120 to 160 beats per minute. When the fetus experiences intrauterine distress or umbilical cord around the neck, it can threaten its growth and development and even endanger the safety of both mother and child. Reasonable monitoring can help detect abnormal changes early, allowing for prompt hospital visits and appropriate rescue measures.

It is recommended to pay attention to fetal movements, combine the results of self-use of the fetal heart monitor with prenatal examinations, and seek medical attention if any issues arise.

Does the Fetal Heart Monitor Have an Impact on the Fetus?

Generally, the normal use of a fetal heart monitor will not have an impact on the fetus, as the sound radiation dose of the fetal heart monitor is far below the safety threshold. However, it is not advisable to listen too frequently during pregnancy. Monitoring can be done during fetal activity as listening to the fetal heartbeat can interfere with the fetus's rest. Listening to the fetal heart monitor three times a day (morning, noon, and evening), for 2-3 minutes each time, and monitoring whether the fetal heart rate is within the normal range (120-160 beats per minute) can provide information about the fetus's health status.

If there is a history of adverse pregnancy outcomes or complications such as pregnancy-induced hypertension, abnormal fetal position, umbilical cord around the neck, diabetes, or infection, the frequency of monitoring should be increased. If abnormal fetal heart rate or fetal movement is detected, immediate medical attention and treatment should be sought.