Although modern technology and self-monitoring has allowed us to get by with fewer visits to the doctor we need to remember that we have to keep the professionals in the loop. It is easy to become carried away with modern equipment such as the baby sound B pocket model with LCD display, which is a baby heart rate monitor, or the Smart baby monitor with remote monitoring. However you need to remember that there are times when it is essential to go and see the doctor or midwife during pregnancy.

There you will be assessed by a fetal Doppler baby heart rate monitor which can give better results than the baby sound B pocket model. These pocket-sized, battery-operated devices are easy to find for rent or sale online. They usually have a handset with controls, a built-in speaker, and a transducer probe that you cover with ultrasound gel and hold against your lower abdomen.

The probe sends out high-frequency sound waves that pass through your skin and tissue and into your baby. When the waves encounter movement, such as your baby's heart beating, they bounce back to the device. The device then translates the movement into sound, which the machine amplifies so you can hear it.

But here's where the difficulty comes up: Anything that moves inside you (such as your baby kicking, air moves through your intestines, and blood flowing in your arteries) is also translated into sounds such as clicks, swishes, and whooshes.

In fact, it takes considerable training and practice to distinguish a baby's heartbeat from the other sounds. It's easy to pick up the sound of blood flowing through the placenta or your own vessels, for example, and mistake this for a heartbeat. And even if you do find your baby's heartbeat, you're not likely to recognize changes in the rate or rhythm that may indicate a problem.

There are other ways to keep tabs on how your baby is doing. Pay attention to your baby's movements, once you can feel them. If you notice a change in your baby's movements, call your doctor or midwife right away.

If you do decide to use a baby heart rate monitor at home;

  • Let your doctor or midwife know you're thinking about buying or renting a device.
  • Monitors range from about £35 to £350 to buy, and the more expensive models are generally more sensitive and reliable than the less expensive ones. You can rent them for about £5 to £15 per month. Some include batteries, gel, and a case.
  • Check that the fetal Doppler baby heart rate monitor conforms to safety standards and, if you're buying it, that it comes with a warranty.
  • Make sure the monitor comes with instructions for use and guidance on how to interpret what you hear.

My friend bought a baby sound B pocket model with LCD display at the same time that she bought some Babyfoot original deep skin exfoliation products and said that she was glad that she had invested in a baby heart rate monitor.