30/01/2026
Urgent reminder 🚨
Today, BBC Morning Live featured a segment about private scan clinics.
After interviewing 2 mums with negative experiences of private scan clinics, the presenter said pregnant women could check their baby’s heartbeat themselves with a stethoscope for reassurance. This advice is not only wrong, but dangerous because you could be falsely reassured.
No home scanning device, doppler or app can tell you if your baby is well. While it may sound tempting, it's not a safe way to listen to your baby’s heartbeat or check they're okay. This can only be done by a midwife or health professional.
Unless you're professionally trained, it's easy to confuse what you're hearing or seeing and be falsely reassured.
If you're worried about reduction in baby's movements, or have any other concerns, contact your maternity unit immediately.
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