You can typically hear a baby's heartbeat on a medical-grade fetal Doppler device starting about 10 to 12 weeks into pregnancy. These professional devices are reliable and accurate for detecting the fetal heartbeat at this stage. At-home Doppler devices may detect heartbeats anywhere from 9 to 16 weeks, but they lack the precision of medical-grade equipment and may vary widely in effectiveness. Medical professionals generally advise against trying to listen to the heartbeat before 13 weeks because the womb is still low in the pelvis, making detection difficult. In clinical settings, fetal Doppler tests are usually done during the second trimester (weeks 13 to 28). If the heartbeat is not detected by Doppler in the first trimester, ultrasounds may provide better results. In summary:
- Medical-grade Dopplers: Reliable detection from about 10 to 12 weeks.
- At-home Dopplers: Can detect from 9 to 16 weeks, but less reliable.
- Professional advice: Usually wait until after 13 weeks to try hearing the heartbeat with Doppler for best results.
A fetus's heart begins beating around 5 to 6 weeks, but Doppler detection is typically not possible until around 10 weeks or later due to physical and technological limitations.
