how soon can you hear a baby's heartbeat

A baby's heartbeat can typically be detected by ultrasound as early as 5 to 6 weeks of pregnancy using a transvaginal ultrasound, which provides a clearer view in early pregnancy. The heartbeat is often first seen as a flickering motion rather than a sound. Hearing the heartbeat by a Doppler device is usually possible from about 9 to 12 weeks of pregnancy, and a standard stethoscope can hear it around 20 to 22 weeks. The exact timing can vary based on the pregnancy dating, the ultrasound technology, and the position of the embryo or fetus.