Since you found out you were pregnant, one of the milestones you’re likely eagerly awaiting is hearing your baby’s heartbeat. It’s one of the most exciting and reassuring moments in pregnancy. But what should you expect, and when will you hear that precious sound?
At what stage does your baby’s heart start beating?
Your baby's heart starts beating when you’re around 6 weeks pregnant. During this time, the heart is still forming, but it begins pumping blood and generating electrical impulses. By the time you have your dating scan between 8 and 14 weeks, your baby’s heart will be beating between 110 to 160 beats per minute, roughly double the speed of your own heartbeat!
Although the heart is rapidly developing during the early weeks of pregnancy, it might not yet be visible or audible on an early scan. It’s also important to note that every pregnancy is different, so your baby’s heart rate may fall slightly outside this range and still be completely normal.
What Does Your Baby's Heartbeat Sound Like?
Most women describe the sound of their baby's heartbeat as resembling the thunder of galloping horses. The rapid and rhythmic sound is often quite moving and can offer a deep sense of connection with your baby. You may hear it for the first time at an ultrasound appointment or during a routine antenatal check-up.
While hearing your baby’s heartbeat can be reassuring, it may not be audible during the first trimester due to various factors. Your midwife will usually try to check the heartbeat around 16 weeks—not long after your first scan.
What if you cannot hear the heartbeat at the scan?
Don’t be alarmed if you can’t hear the heartbeat right away. Several factors can influence whether or not you’ll hear it, such as:
- Your baby’s position in the womb
- How active your baby is at the time
- The accuracy of your due date
- The method your midwife uses to listen for the heartbeat
What methods can be used to hear the baby’s heartbeat?
The most common method your midwife will use to hear your baby’s heartbeat is a hand-held Doppler device. This device sends and receives sound waves that bounce off your baby’s heart movements, amplifying the sound so you can hear it through ultrasound technology. During this process, your midwife will apply gel to your stomach and move the Doppler sensor over your abdomen until the heartbeat is detected.
In some cases, a midwife might use a stethoscope to listen directly to your baby’s heartbeat, though this method is less common today due to technological advancements like Dopplers and ultrasounds. A stethoscope may not detect the heartbeat until 28 weeks, and even then, factors like the baby’s position can make it difficult to hear.
How Early Can You Hear the Baby's Heartbeat at Home?
Many expectant parents are tempted to rent or buy a home Doppler to hear their baby’s heartbeat between appointments. While this might sound like a great way to stay connected with your baby, health professionals advise caution. It takes experience to find and accurately interpret your baby’s heartbeat. If you can’t locate it at home, it can cause unnecessary stress and worry. It’s always best to leave monitoring to your healthcare team, who are trained to use the equipment and interpret the results.
Monitoring Your Baby’s Heartbeat Throughout Pregnancy
Later in pregnancy, your midwife or doctor will keep a close watch on your baby’s heartbeat, especially during labour and delivery. Modern technology allows for continuous fetal monitoring during labour to ensure your baby’s heart rate remains healthy. These monitors can detect any signs of fetal distress, giving doctors the information they need to act quickly if necessary.
If you have concerns...
If at any point you’re concerned about your baby’s heartbeat or overall well-being, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor or midwife. They can provide reassurance, monitor your baby’s development, and address any issues that arise.
Hearing your baby’s heartbeat for the first time is a powerful moment, but it’s only one part of the beautiful journey toward meeting your little one. Every pregnancy is unique, so if it takes a little longer to hear that sound, rest assured that your healthcare team is there to support you.
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