Many present-day medical tools provide innovative designs for ease of use. A fetoscope—aka fetal stethoscope—is one of them. This specially-designed stethoscope amplifies internal sounds, allowing care providers and parents-to-be to listen to fetal heart tones. You’ll find modern versions of these valuable fetoscopes commonly used in midwifery models of care.

Curious about what to listen for when using a fetoscope? Here is a step-by-step guide regarding this method of fetal heart rate monitoring.

Why Use a Fetoscope?

The use of a fetoscope is a vital part of prenatal care, increasing the connection between a mother and baby. No other tool is as valuable for those who want to decrease the use of prolonged ultrasound during pregnancy or learn how to listen to their baby’s heartbeat on their own. The fetoscope can also help determine or confirm fetal positioning, as the sound of the heartbeat is always loudest when placed directly over the heart.

How a Fetoscope Works: Feeling Heartbeats

Designed for use on a mother-to-be, some care providers prefer using a fetoscope at prenatal appointments several months into the pregnancy. The goal is to carefully assess fetal tones without inherent risk or high cost. Around 18–22 weeks of pregnancy is the best time to start, as many won't be able to hear a heartbeat earlier than that.

Think of using a fetoscope similarly to a stethoscope. You don’t need an ultrasound machine or battery power to hear an amplified fetal heartbeat. Instead, you must be specific, patient, and listen attentively to identify the acoustic sound of the baby’s heartbeat in your ears.

Differentiating What You Hear

Using medical-grade fetoscopes isn’t extremely complicated. Yet, you do need foundational knowledge and skill for success. Experienced practitioners have the expertise to distinguish and differentiate what they hear through these units and can teach you the basics. For beginners, simply place the bell-shaped design on the belly and move around until sounds are noticeable. A quiet thumping tone is what to listen for when using a fetoscope, one that beats faster than your own pulse. A baby’s heartbeat is about twice as fast as a healthy adult’s.

Keep in mind that there is a wide array of fetoscopes on the market, and various factors can affect the sounds users can or can’t hear. Don’t cause yourself anxiety or worry if you cannot distinguish a sound similar to a ticking watch under a pillow. Discuss with your care provider any concerns about the accuracy, safety, and effective use of various fetal heart monitoring methods.