Friday, September 25, 2009

Baby Heart Monitors: Are They Safe?

Some pregnant women who are interested in a baby heart monitor worry about the safety of these units. Although scientists argue there is no conclusive evidence showing that baby heart monitors pose any danger, some will point out that at one time they said the same thing about x-rays as well and that pregnant women were subjected to frequent x-rays before they were deemed dangerous.

Some of the concerns about fetal doppler devices center around worries that they may cause autism. This concern is based on the belief that ultrasound may impact the developing baby's brain. Another concern is that using a fetal monitor repeatedly, even daily, may up the risk of miscarriage.

Proponents of baby heart monitors will point out that the devices have been in use for over fifty years and there has yet to be one study showing any risk associated with devices. And they would also point out that a baby heart monitor might actually save your baby's life if you are able to hear a sign of fetal distress using the unit.

In the end, it will be up to individuals to make their own decision regarding these units. If you have questions, you should do you own research and come up with your own conclusion regarding whether you feel comfortable using such a device during your pregnancy.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Prenatal Heart Monitor Basics

Angelsounds Fetal Dopploer
Why would you want a prenatal heart monitor during your pregnancy?

Prenatal heart monitors have become increasingly popular in recent years as cheap and easily available models have hit the market, but why are they becoming so popular?

A baby heart monitor allows expectant parents to hear their baby's heartbeat. For many parents, waiting until prenatal checkups to hear the baby's heart while in their doctor or midwife's office is simply not frequently enough.

Hearing your baby's heartbeat is such an emotionally powerful experience, and it also provides a level a reassurance for nervous parents that "all is fine." The device may be especially useful for parents who have had problematic pregnancies in the past or miscarriages, but nearly every parents will appreciate knowing their baby's heart is beating strong. And if for some reason you detect there is a problem with the baby's heart, you will be able to take swift action as well.

There are many prenatal heart monitors available, and they can cost anywhere from $40 up to thousands of dollars. If you are interested in one of the more sophisticated models, you do not need to despair: you can easily rent many of the best models online. There are several companies that rent top-of-the-line prenatal heart monitors for reasonable monthly prices. For help with deciding whether to buy or rent a prenatal heart article, read "Fetal Monitors: Should You Buy or Rent?"

About the Baby Heart Monitor Info Blog

Welcome to the Baby Heart Monitor blog! The purpose of the blog is to share tips and advice about using a baby heart monitor in your home. Feel free to comment or email me any suggestions you have.

Baby heart monitors are also known by names such as fetal doppler devices, baby heartbeat doppler devices, and prenatal heart monitors. These all refer to essentially the same devices that can monitor the baby's heartbeat while still in the womb.

If you are uncertain about whether to rent or buy a baby heart monitor, want information about how to use a baby heart monitor, or want advice about what are the best fetal doppler units on the market, then you have come to the right place. And if you don't find what you want here, check out the links to other baby heart monitor websites, where you can find additional information.

Thank you for visiting!

- Crafty Blogger