should I be worried?

Question

Hey guys, I'm a bit new to this. I recently started using a home Doppler to see if I can catch baby's heartbeat. I've watched probably every video for tips etc. many of them have found the heartbeat as early as 9 or so weeks. I am 12 weeks and one day far and I've searched high and low and I can't seem to find it anywhere. Should I be concerned?..

Answer

Not at all. Even at 12 weeks it can be extremely difficult to find your baby's heartbeat. They're so tiny and they can hide behind your pelvic bone or even behind an artery and you wouldn't be able to hear them. Your weight also contributes. If you are on the heavier side the Doppler has to listen through more matter and that can make it harder as well. The number one rule of purchasing at home Doppler is that you aren't allowed to be concerned if you can't find a baby's heartbeat ;) I did find my son's heartbeat at 8 weeks but I didn't find it again for another week and a half even though I tried every day and I'm extremely thin.

Answer

No this is why a lot of doctors advise against that. when I was that early along my doctor would struggle for a minute to find it. Don't stress.

Answer

When I finally found the HB at home around 13w, it was way lower than I thought to look.
  
I agree with Kit, the number one rule to a home doppler is to NOT WORRY when you can't find the HB :) My OB even had trouble finding the HB with a doppler at 16w! 
  
Your baby is SOOOOOO tiny and can easily evade you. When you feel like trying again, try pointing the doppler down and back BEHIND your pubic bone. That's where I found him first before he flitted away!
  
 Good luck and don't worry mama!! 💕

Answer

And to add what the other poster said the position of placenta can also make it difficult.  So much so that you might need an ultrasound to find the heartbeat.

should I be worried?

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