The heartbeat of a baby can typically be detected and heard at different stages depending on the method used:
- Around 5 to 6 weeks of pregnancy, the baby's heart starts developing and embryonic cardiac activity can be seen on an ultrasound, usually by a vaginal ultrasound which is more accurate early on. The heartbeat may not be audible yet, but visual flickering indicating a heartbeat can be detected.
- Between 6 to 7 weeks, an ultrasound can usually pick up the heartbeat. Transvaginal ultrasounds are more effective this early, showing a strong and steady heartbeat. Abdominal ultrasounds may detect the heartbeat around 7 weeks.
- Around 9 to 10 weeks, fetal heartbeat can often be heard using a Doppler device during prenatal visits. It's louder and clearer at this point and continues to be in the range of 120 to 160 beats per minute.
- By the end of the first trimester (around 11 to 12 weeks), the heartbeat is usually easy to hear with an abdominal ultrasound, and most fetal heart rates range between 120 and 160 beats per minute.
In summary, you can expect to see the first signs of the heartbeat around 5-6 weeks via ultrasound, and hear it with medical devices like Doppler at about 9-12 weeks of pregnancy.
