Finding the Best Fetal Monitor

Advancing technology and falling costs mean that fetal monitors are moving from the hospital and doctor's surgery into the home. In particular, the use of Doppler technology has led to some very reliable home units.

However, prices remain high: at least $100, and considerably more for several models. And as this is a product that may only be used for six months, many potential buyers will want objective advice on what to purchase.

Unfortunately, such guidance is hard to come by. I could find online no objective reviews comparing the different models. However, online sales sites like Amazon.com solicit consumer reviews, and these are often quite valuable.

In late-2007, Amazon.com listed half-a-dozen fetal monitors. The most popular of these was the Hi Bebe BT-200 Fetal Doppler/Heart Rate Monitor (pictured).

According to a product description:

This handy portable fetal doppler detects the fetal heart rate quickly from about 10-12 weeks through labor, and it's safe and simple to use. The new Hi Bebe BT200 hand-held fetal heart rate monitor has been designed to be small and lightweight, yet robust, making it ideal for midwives, doctors and of course, pregnant women.

The Hi Bebe fetal doppler features an audio speaker, plus a clear LCD display of the fetal heart rate. Not only will the sound of your baby reassure you, but you can bond with your baby from the very beginning. With the built in loudspeaker, you can share the miracle with family and friends. Or use the audio output for earphones to lull yourself to sleep with the sound of your baby's heart beating.

In late-2007, it had received 73 Amazon.com customer reviews, with most reviewers awarding it five stars (out of five).

Here is one review:

I'm a Registered Nurse, and I'm pregnant with my first baby. That being said, I highly recommend this product for anyone who is a nervous nelly like myself. This is the same product nurse midwives and OBGYN's use in order to assess fetal heartbeat, and the product does exactly that for a very fair and reasonable price. If you want peace of mind during your pregnancy, and don't want to wait every four weeks to hear your child's heartbeat at the doctor's office, then this is a must-have!

And another:

This fetal doppler is absolutely fantastic. My husband and I use it all the time. It's so easy to use and the sound quality is great. We're expecting twins and we find it easy to locate each baby's separate heart beat. If I had any complaints about this doppler, it's that - for us, anyway - it's kind of hard to get an accurate heart rate. The numbers jump around quite a bit. But you get a decent estimate on the heart rate. We don't really use it for that anyway, we just like to hear the heartbeats for reassurance between doctor's appointments. This doppler is so nice, and incredibly affordable as far as dopplers go. I love the free carrying case (which is MUCH nicer than the one shown in the above pictures). Highly recommended!!!

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February 22nd, 2007
Updated: November 9th, 2007