Hear Your Baby's Heartbeat — At Home or in the Clinic

A fetal Doppler is one of the most reassuring tools available during pregnancy. By detecting your baby's heartbeat through safe, non-invasive ultrasound sound waves, these compact devices give parents and clinicians alike the confidence of knowing everything sounds as it should. Surgo's Baby Sound Fetal Doppler range covers both personal home-use models and clinical-grade options — so whether you are a first-time parent or a midwifery professional, there is a device suited to your needs.

Our Baby Sound Fetal Doppler Products

Baby Sound B Pocket Fetal Doppler For Home Use – Pink The Baby Sound B is a slim, pocket-sized fetal Doppler designed with home use in mind. Lightweight and straightforward to operate, it is ideal for expectant parents who want the reassurance of hearing their baby's heartbeat between midwife or obstetric appointments. The compact form factor fits easily in a handbag or bedside drawer, and the built-in speaker means no headphones are required. Currently available in pink at a clearance price, this is an accessible entry point into at-home fetal monitoring.

Summit Doppler™ LifeDop® 250 Display with 3 MHz Probe The Summit Doppler LifeDop 250 is a professional-grade fetal Doppler trusted by midwives, obstetricians, and GP practices across Canada. Featuring a clear digital display showing fetal heart rate in beats per minute, and a 3 MHz probe optimised for standard prenatal assessments, the LifeDop 250 delivers the accuracy and reliability expected in clinical settings. Its ergonomic design supports ease of use during routine antenatal consultations, making it a dependable choice for busy healthcare professionals who need consistent, measurable results.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fetal Dopplers

How early can a fetal Doppler detect a heartbeat? Most handheld fetal Dopplers can detect a heartbeat from around 12 weeks of pregnancy, though this can vary depending on factors such as body composition and the position of the baby. Some clinical-grade devices may detect cardiac activity slightly earlier under optimal conditions. If you are unsure, always consult your midwife or obstetrician.

Is it safe to use a fetal Doppler at home? Home fetal Dopplers use the same low-intensity ultrasound technology as those used in clinical settings and are considered safe for occasional use. However, they are not a substitute for professional antenatal care. If you have any concerns about your baby's movements or health, contact your healthcare provider rather than relying solely on a home Doppler reading.

Do I need ultrasound gel to use a fetal Doppler? Yes — ultrasound transmission gel is essential for clear signal detection. It eliminates air between the probe and skin, allowing sound waves to transmit effectively. Without gel, you are unlikely to pick up a clear heartbeat signal. Surgo stocks compatible gel under our Doppler Ultrasound Gel range.

What does 3 MHz mean on a fetal Doppler probe? The MHz (megahertz) rating refers to the probe's sound wave frequency. A 3 MHz probe, as found on the Summit LifeDop 250, is the standard frequency for fetal monitoring — it penetrates deeply enough to detect the fetal heartbeat clearly, making it well-suited to routine prenatal assessments across most stages of pregnancy.

What is the difference between the Baby Sound B and the Summit LifeDop 250? The Baby Sound B is a simple, audio-only pocket Doppler designed for home use by expectant parents wanting occasional reassurance. The Summit LifeDop 250 is a clinical-grade instrument with a digital BPM display and a calibrated 3 MHz probe, intended for use by trained healthcare professionals in formal antenatal assessments. For clinical accuracy and documentation purposes, the LifeDop 250 is the appropriate choice.

Not sure which fetal Doppler suits your needs? Contact the Surgo team — we're happy to help.