HelloThat is a great question. I invite other mothers of twins who have used a doppler to respone to this question as well. Its always helpful to have advise from those who have been there.
Finding twins can sometimes be a bit tricky in the early weeks. Usually baby A's heartbeat will be at a different rate than baby B's heartbeat (one at 160 and one at 180 for example) but sometimes they can be quite similar (depending on activity level at the time etc). You shouldnt have to go far to find both heartbeats, they will usually be pretty close to one another in the early weeks.
Later on in pregnancy as your uterus and the babies grow, the heartbeat can be found on either side or one on top and the other near the bottom. Also, later on in pregnancy (second trimester and on), the same heartbeat may be found in different locations. To distinguish between Baby A and Baby B will be a matter or looking to see that there is a difference in heartrate. This is why digital display dopplers are best for twin pregnancies. No need to count each heartbeat to find out which baby you are hearing.
As far as whether or not extra weight can make it difficult to hear the baby? I am really not sure. The 3 Mhz probe has a wider range so its great for picking up fetal heartbeats in the first trimester and througout the rest of pregnancy, however, if there is alot of extra belly to go through, it can make it a bit more tricky in the early weeks. Once the baby moves up from behind the pelvic bone (between 10-12 weeks)finding the heartbeat usually becomes much easier. I have someone working on this question right now.
Its always a bit more tricky to find baby in the early weeks, but every day that goes by and the more practice you get you will find that it is easier to locate and manuever. My best advice is always: Full Bladder, Go VERY slow and use enough gel.
Was it a Tummy Tickles doppler that you ordered? Let us know how you make out, I know your questions and responses will help alot of other curious mommy's to be.
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Michelle,
Site Administrator
Last Edited Michelle on 31-Mar-2006 3:52 PM
