Do you want to hear your baby’s heartbeat? It is possible as early as 8 weeks into the pregnancy. At this point, the baby’s heart is already beating and it can be heard with a stethoscope, ultrasound or using a home doppler. In this blog post, we will discuss how to find your baby’s heartbeat at 8 weeks and what you should expect. We will also answer some common questions about baby heartbeats during early pregnancy.
You can also check how you can check baby heartbeat at the 6th week here.
Now, let’s start with understanding the baby’s heart development in the 8th week.
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The level of heart developing in the 8th week:
In the 8th week, the valves between the atria and the ventricles form, and the baby’s heart is beating at around 110-160 beats per minute. This is necessary to keep the baby alive and growing. The cardiac muscle cells are also starting to form and will continue to do so in the coming weeks.
During the ultrasound in weeks 18 to 22, the doctor can check the full anatomy of the baby.
How is heartbeat detected in the 8th week?
There are a few different ways to detect your baby’s heartbeat at this point in the pregnancy. One is by using a Doppler, which is a small ultrasound device that can be used at home. You can also hear the baby’s heartbeat with a stethoscope. A doctor may also recommend a scan as early as the 7th week.
Using Doptones to detect a heartbeat
A doptone is an electronic device that uses sound waves to detect a baby’s heartbeat. You can buy them online or at most pharmacies. It is important to note that not all pregnancies are the same, and sometimes it may be difficult to find the baby’s heartbeat this early on. If you have any concerns, please consult with your doctor.
How to use a Doptone to detect baby heartbeat at week 8
How often should I check for baby’s heartbeat?
You should check for your baby’s heartbeat at least once a week. If you cannot find the baby’s heartbeat at home, please consult with your doctor.
What if I can’t hear my baby’s heartbeat?
If you are unable to find your baby’s heartbeat at home or during a doctor’s appointment, it does not necessarily mean that your baby isn’t breathing. There are a number of things that can affect the baby’s heartbeat, such as position and movement. However, if you have any concerns, please consult with your doctor.
Why a heartbeat can be undetectable
There are a number of reasons why you may not be able to detect your baby’s heartbeat at this point in the pregnancy. One reason may be that the baby is positioned in such a way that the heart cannot be heard. The baby’s movement can also affect how easily the heartbeat can be detected.
If a doctor is doing a scale and is unable to detect a heartbeat, there are possible reasons including;
- It is too early in the pregnancy
- the mom is overweight or obese
- because of an ectopic pregnancy
What is the baby’s heart rate at this point?
The baby’s heart rate will vary depending on their age and stage of development. As we mentioned earlier, the heartbeat at week 8 ranges from 120 to 160 beats per minute.
How to find a baby’s heartbeat at home
Do you want to hear your baby’s heartbeat? It is possible as early as eight weeks into the pregnancy. At this point, the baby’s heart is already beating and you can get a doppler and apply a gel on your belly and find the baby’s heartbeat or go to your doctor he can use a stethoscope.
Ultrasound at 8th Weeks with Heartbeat
FIRST ULTRASOUND & HEARING BABYS’ HEARTBEAT | 8 WEEKS PREGNANT
I am Ashley Davis, a mom of three kids and the editor here at Motherhood HQ (formerly 10BabyGear). I have been a parent since 2011 and have been doing full-time consulting as a baby sleep expert since 2019. When I am not researching or testing the next baby gear hitting the market, you’ll find me teaching my toddlers a trick or two – especially over the last few months with the lockdown. I hope you’ll find my guides and reviews helpful as you make your next purchase decision. If you have any questions, you can reach me at ashley.d@motherhoodhq.com.
