10
If preferred, start the examination using optional earphones for privacy. The key to the
examination is to intercept the fetal heart with the beam from the probe. The beam travels
in a relatively straight direction much like a flashlight beam.
In the first trimester, the best technique is to start with the probe on the midline of the
abdomen and aimed downward behind the pubic bone. The probe should be moved very
slowly to search the most likely areas. Because the fetal heart sounds are faint at this time,
be careful not to scan too quickly or the sounds may be missed.
It is often difficult to find the fetal heartbeat during the first trimester and this by itself is not
a cause for alarm. A full bladder may make finding the heartbeat a little easier.
The fetal heartbeat sounds like a galloping horse and is about twice the speed of the
mother’s heart rate. The heart rate will be displayed on units with an LCD display. The
placental blood flow sounds more like a whirlwind.
NOTE:
The
Elite
provides the listener with information about the fetus; however if there
is any doubt about fetal condition after using the Doppler, further investigation must be
initiated immediately.
When you have completed the exam, press the
On/Off
button to turn off the
Elite
. Then
wipe the gel off the face of the probe. Return the probe to the top of the unit for protection.