Tell me why I should or shouldn't buy.....

[Floweryfields]

I have no opinion whether you should or shouldn't get one (so maybe I shouldn't post at all!) -but I have one question, in general, not specifically for the OP. By having a doppler, how does it change anything? I mean, yes you get the reassurance of hearing a heartbeat, but God forbid you can't find one, having that doppler isn't going to change that at all so how does that make you pregnancy easier?
That's not intended to sound rude - hope it doesn't, I just was wondering, how does having one change something you really have no control over anyway?

[LuluHB]

ooops. Double post. Sorry

[LuluHB]

Ausgirl - you're absolutely right. A doppler is not going to save a pregnancy. What will be will be. But from my own experience only, I found that when you are so used to getting that wonderful BFP only to then have yet another miscarriage, the reassurance on those bad days when you have no hope that you will get through is amazing. I had one occasion where it took me about 10 very, very stressful minutes to find my little girl's heartbeat, but the rest of the time it was almost instant reassurance that today at least, my dream was still alive.

That's me though, and I do agree to a certain extent that sometimes they cause more apprehension - depends on the person. My SIL flat out refused to aknowledge her pregnancy because she was just too scared to build up her hopes.

[blessedatlast]

Ausgirl - A doppler wouldn't change the outcome, neither do U/S or blood tests, but it can be nice to get reassurance. I also agree that it can cause undue stress if the heart beat can't be found which I listed as one of the cons.. I think for me the best reassurance for me will be when I'm looking at my baby alive but it will also be good when I can feel it. I don't think i will bother with a doppler, as it shouldn't be that long until I can regularly feel Bub and that will be reassurance enough..

[~ Mylitta ~]

I have no opinion whether you should or shouldn't get one (so maybe I shouldn't post at all!) -but I have one question, in general, not specifically for the OP. By having a doppler, how does it change anything? I mean, yes you get the reassurance of hearing a heartbeat, but God forbid you can't find one, having that doppler isn't going to change that at all so how does that make you pregnancy easier?
That's not intended to sound rude - hope it doesn't, I just was wondering, how does having one change something you really have no control over anyway?

For me personally I think I answered your question when I wrote:

"Not only did we have the peace of mind of hearing that little heart beating away, but I think it also helped us form that early bond with our babies. It also gave DH a way to feel like he was a bit more of a part of the pregnancies."

You're right, it's not going to change anything, but hearing that precious heart beating away when you are having a moment of doubt as to whether your baby is still alive is the most reassuring sound in the world. After about 12 weeks with both my pregnancies I was able to find the heartbeat within at least a minute or two, and most of the times it could be heard the second I placed the doppler on my belly.

The joy my husband and I could share in while listening to our baby's heartbeats was priceless though.

[Lolpigs]

I asked my OB about this, and also about monitoring the baby movements (as not at 25weeks bubs is pretty active) but he told me not to stress about it too much. He said if I couldn't find the heartbeat that would cause me more stress than it was worth, and that was more harmful to bubs. He was the same with the movement told me unless I was feeling nothing at all, not to worry about where, when, how often etc. Until much later in the Pregnancy, just to enjoy it. Heartbeats are good, but movement is better I think, and in my OB's opinion being as relaxed as possible (yeah i know easier said than done) is the best for bubs.

Personally I decided against getting one, because I'm prone to worry about things alot, and if I had one I think while at first it would decrease my stress, ultimately it would give me something else to worry about. Does that make sense?

I can understand after what you have been through wanting the reassurance. I hope everything goes well for you.