We have only gotten to see our little bean right at 8w and heart rate was 178. We are now nearing the end of 1st trimester which I know the heart rate will start getting a little lower as apposed to when it was smaller. Our next appt is end Jan 2024 at 15w & I was given an at home fetal doplar from a friend. I was super eager to use it so ran and got my cheapest option of gel to use, aloe. I THINK i heard babys heart beat last night on left & right lower uterus & this morning but also cant tell if it was mine or not. Im new to these devices & when i could find a good spot, id notice the numbers not only fluncuate from mid 100s but almost count down?? So this morning it was between 144 and would fluncuate down to 116. Is this normal?? Google terrifies me also saying to not use the home dopplar often due to heat? Why do the numbers fluncuate as if counting down? I feel baby is healthy & just fine. Im just seeking more knowledge other than from Google.