25/02/2023
There's a lot of talk about the strain on the NHS and strike action, so the temptation to use a home doppler "so I'm not being a nuisance" is at an all time high. Kicks Count strongly advises AGAINST buying and using a home handheld doppler, save yourself some money and buy some nice pampering products instead. Your Midwifery Unit is always there for you. Remember:
- Home dopplers can lead to unnecessary stress if you're unable to find a heartbeat.
- You may be falsely reassured if you hear something you think is your baby's heartbeat, but it may not be that you're hearing. There are a lot of blood vessels in a pregnant woman's abdomen, the baby’s heart beating is just one of the things that can be picked up.
- Most importantly, the presence of a heartbeat alone does not mean your baby is well. Midwives are trained to listen for important changes in rhythms and warning signs.
Call you Maternity Unit if you notice a change in your baby's regular pattern of movement, they will give you advice.
Please spread the word, together we can keep mums-to-be and their babies safe.