Warning Against Buying Doppler Machines For Home Use To Check Baby | HuffPost Life

'They are not designed to be used as a fun novelty product.'

By PA Reporters— PA for HuffPost UK

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Christmas shoppers have been warned not to buy home doppler machines, which are sold with a view to enabling pregnant women to check their baby’s heartbeat.

Campaigners said the devices offer false reassurance and should be banned.

The charity Kicks Count – which encourages women to keep a close check on baby movements – said the hand-held devices are not appropriate presents for loved ones this Christmas.

Chief executive Elizabeth Hutton said: “With Christmas coming, we are urging people not to buy home dopplers for their loved ones as gifts.

“They are not designed to be used as a fun novelty product but should be used only by professional medical staff.

“In the wrong hands they can provide false reassurance – the placenta, and the mother’s heartbeat can both easily be mistaken for a foetal heartbeat leading to tragic consequences.”

Home dopplers are available to buy for around £30, while phone apps also claim to monitor an unborn baby’s heartbeat.

Kicks Count is calling on the Government to ban home dopplers, and a petition on the issue has so far attracted more than 13,500 signatures.

Earlier this year, the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) also warned against women using the machines, saying it is too easy to confuse sounds coming from the mother with those from the baby.

Blogger Gemma Brushneen, 31, from Wiltshire, is also backing the campaign. She lost her baby Sophie at 24 weeks after being falsely reassured by a home doppler device.

Family Handout/PA

She said: “At 23+2 (weeks pregnant), I realised I really hadn’t felt much movement at all that day, and as usual got out my home doppler.

“I picked up a heartbeat straight away, and then went to have a warm bath along with an ice cold can of Coke – which was always guaranteed to get her moving.

“The weekend continued, it was crazy busy, and stupidly I didn’t really keep a track of movements – I did continue to use the doppler and although I struggled sometimes, I picked up what I thought was her heartbeat.

“I was wrong. In hindsight, I had been picking up my own heartbeat. I felt like my bump had gone squishy and managed to convince myself she had settled in my back and that’s why I wasn’t feeling any movements.

“On the Monday morning when everything had slowed down I suddenly panicked, realising that I really hadn’t felt any movements – and this time the only sound I could pick up with the doppler was static. I hurriedly arranged to get checked out. I was still trying to convince myself it would all be OK.”

Brushneen, who has three other children, added: “In that tiny dark room, with an ultrasound machine that was probably older than me, the two midwives confirmed, after trying with their own dopplers, they couldn’t find a heartbeat.

“I just remember repeating ‘but we’ve painted her room pink’ and ‘her clothes are all hung up ready’.

“Sophie was born sleeping at just after midnight on Wednesday 1 February 2012 – the day I would’ve been 24 weeks pregnant. She weighed less than 1lb.

“My message to other mums is that these should not be treated as a bit of fun. Don’t buy these devices and please don’t rely on them to check your baby’s health.”

Before You Go

Pregnancy worries and words of comfort

I have no morning sickness! Is that bad news?(01 of10)

You might have read things about how morning sickness signifies a healthy level of pregnancy hormones – but not having morning sickness does not mean you're lacking! Although many women suffer with it (and 'suffer' really is the word), many other women do not. Some women have it one pregnancy, but not in another. Attend all your usual checks and count yourself as one of the lucky ones! (credit:Alamy )

I drank before I knew I was pregnant, I might have harmed the baby(02 of10)

This happens to many, many expectant mums, and it's unlikely to be a cause for concern at all. Mention it to your GP/midwife, and just keep off the booze now, until you can enjoy a celebratory glass of fizz when your bundle arrives. (credit:Alamy )

I'll lose the baby(03 of10)

It's estimated about one in five pregnancies ends in early miscarriage, and it's thought most of those occur simply because the foetus wasn't developing properly. It does happen, but don't let it rule your thoughts because the vast majority of pregnancies do succeed. Try not to worry and remember that once you're into the second trimester, the chances of miscarriage is dramatically reduced. (credit:Alamy )

My baby might not be 'perfect'(04 of10)

It's estimated that one in 16 babies in the UK is born with a birth defect – but this figure refers to all birth defects, and many are mild and can be treated. So it's likely your baby won't have a birth defect, and even if they do, they will be perfect in their own way – remember support is available for every eventuality. Take your folic acid and attend your antenatal screening appointments. (credit:Alamy )

I won't make it to the hospital on time(05 of10)

You might have read terrifying stories about pregnant women giving birth in car parks and taxis – but these stories make it to the news because they are extraordinary, in the literal sense of the word! It very rarely happens, and most women get plenty of warning that labour is beginning. So plan well, and all is very likely to be fine. (credit:Alamy )

I might have to have a c-section(06 of10)

If you do end up needing a c-section, you might feel disappointed – but believe us, in the moment the only thing you'll really care about is the safe delivery of your baby. It won't be the end of the world and you won't care a jot when your baby is in your arms. (credit:Alamy )

I won't be able to cope during labour(07 of10)

There is just no telling how labour will be for you, so don't worry about it now. Make your birth plan, discuss it with your partner and midwife, and go with the flow on the day (it's okay to change your mind!). There will be lots and lots of help and support at your disposal. Not to mention drugs, should you need them. (credit:Alamy )

Labour will humiliating (will I poo on the bed?!)(08 of10)

You've heard about that then? It can happen, but the doctors and midwives have seen it all – they have experienced every possible scenario. They won't be worrying about things like that, so neither should you. (credit:Alamy )

I don't know how to be a mum(09 of10)

No-one does until they become one! Every new mum feels like they're winging it in the early days. As your baby grows and you get to know them, you'll learn. Trust in the fact that just about every mother has gone through it… and survived. (credit:Alamy )

I'm worried about gaining all that weight(10 of10)

You will put on weight, yes – but it's normal and nothing to be afraid of! Much weight gain is actually down to the baby, the placenta, extra blood in your system and the retention of water. Pregnancy changes your body in myriad ways – just enjoy it, and let your body just do its thing at this special time. Remember, there's no need to 'eat for two'… but eat what you need and don't count calories. (credit:Alamy )

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