| Even though in the professional world of medicine, | | | | most cases, the 2 MHz probe has been proven to |
| there are several types of ultrasound used, | | | | work better on overweight expectant mothers. |
| hand-held fetus dopplers use only one technology: | | | | So, if you're planning on renting a hand held |
| the continuous wave Doppler fetal ultrasound. | | | | device, it will be useful to know this little fact as |
| Sounds like a mouthful doesn't it? Relax, it only | | | | your pregnancy progresses. |
| means that this type of ultrasound measures only | | | | Other classifications of this technology are not as |
| audio - through changes in the pitch of sound | | | | technical. Some hand held units use external |
| waves, you can hear your baby's heartbeat and | | | | power sources, some use internally powered |
| evaluate blood flow. | | | | batteries. Some come with headphones, though if |
| However, within this hand-held technology, there | | | | you want to invest for an existing large family, |
| are many variations. The broadest division is | | | | getting speakers with this set might be more |
| between 'sound' and 'LCD' dopplers. Sound | | | | useful for you, or to purchase one with in-built |
| dopplers will enable you to hear your baby's heart | | | | trumpet technology. Other features include |
| beat, while LCD dopplers will also give you reading | | | | variations in design (if you're particular about your |
| of the beating heart to measure and evaluate | | | | baby girl/boy's possessions!), style and sound |
| changes. LCD dopplers are by far more popular | | | | control. LCD Dopplers will also come in a variety |
| today, as for just a small additional cost, you are | | | | of screen designs, depending on how much |
| able to monitor your unborn child's health more | | | | information you want, for example history of the |
| accurately and establish a connection with it at the | | | | baby's heartbeat, battery life, etc. Some units also |
| same time. | | | | come with recorders, so you can save these |
| Within these large divisions, fetal Doppler units | | | | precious moments with your unborn child and |
| come equipped with one of two probes, | | | | share them when he/she grows up! Other |
| depending on ultrasonic frequency. These probes | | | | features to look out for are extended battery |
| are either 2 MHz or 3 MHz. While obviously, the 3 | | | | life, weight, durability and how easy to handle they |
| MHz probe is stronger than the former one in | | | | are. |