The Doptone for Fetal Monitoring

The Doptone is a hand-held, portable ultrasound tool used for fetal monitoring.  It works by sending high-frequency sound waves into your uterus which are read when they bounce back. 

One of the main benefits of this device is that it is completely waterproof.  It can be used underwater in the case of a waterbirth or if the mother is labouring in the shower.   This makes it an indispensable tool in these situations.  

For all other types of monitoring, the mother would have to get out of the water every few minutes to be monitored.  It is also ideal for intermittent monitoring in that it can be used on whatever monitoring schedule is deemed appropriate to the situation.

One limitation of this method is that it cannot be used when continuous fetal monitoring is truly medically-indicated.

The main drawback of this method is that no long term studies have been conducted to determine the safety of using such high-frequency sound waves during labor.

The doptone uses high-frequency sound waves that have been shown to cause tissue damage in some animal studies when used for this purpose.  More research will have to be conducted to determine appropriate levels and durations of exposure.  

This is also true of home baby monitors that many mothers rent or purchase.  While it may be thrilling to hear your baby's heartbeat whenever you choose during your pregnancy, there is still some question as to what level of exposure is too much.  

We do know, however, that babies do not like the sound waves.  They will move away from the sound, which is why it can be so difficult to pinpoint a heartbeat in the early weeks of pregnancy.  They run from it.  We should respect that they are running for a good reason and make responsible decisions on the recreational use of such devices, taking the baby's development into account.