Having lost a child in utero, I completely understand the need for reassurance with a doppler prior to feeling distinctive fetal movements. Considering Caitlyn was never a big mover anyway, movements for me were never an assessment tool I could use. It was also my first pregnancy and I was not sure what to expect or feel. I am still not sure what I am meant to feel when I get pregnant again due to the significant variations possible between pregnancies.

Being medical I also understand the concerns re: the use of U/S and doppler and the potential effects of the unborn child.

Could both side please consider there are advantages and disadvantages for both. Dopplers CAN be reassuring but they CAN increase anxiety when you are unable to get a reading. There is limited literature looking at the long term effect of these modalities and a fetus will also respond to a finger poking into its space by moving away from the area too.

Women who have experienced a loss are often not able to access an assessment on demand when their anxiety is high. Elevated anxiety in pregnancy is not beneficial to mother or baby.

Ultimately, we should be sharing information re: the concerns or benefits of the topic. Your personal opinion is yours and should be valued but not at the expense of someone elses. Information allows a person to critically evaluate and make an informed decision knowing the benefits and the risks. The decision should ultimately be theirs and should not be criticised.