Expectant parents often wonder if they can feel their baby’s heartbeat through the stomach. While a pregnant person might feel a pulsating sensation in their abdomen, this feeling is almost always their own pulse, not the baby’s. It is generally not possible to feel a baby’s heartbeat directly through the abdominal wall. This perceived pulse is a normal physiological change during pregnancy.
Understanding What You Might Feel
During pregnancy, the body undergoes significant changes, including a notable increase in blood volume, sometimes by as much as 50%. This surge supports both the pregnant individual and the developing fetus. This increased blood flow makes the pulse in the abdominal aorta, a major artery running through the abdomen, much more noticeable. A person might feel this strong maternal pulse, especially when lying down or in positions that compress the abdominal area. The distinct, rhythmic sensation can be mistaken for the baby’s heartbeat, but it is a normal part of the circulatory adjustments that occur as the body adapts to pregnancy.
How Healthcare Professionals Detect Fetal Heartbeat
Healthcare professionals use specialized medical equipment to accurately detect and monitor a baby’s heartbeat. A transvaginal ultrasound can visually identify cardiac activity as early as 5 to 6 weeks of gestation, providing a clear image of the developing embryo and its initial heart movements. As pregnancy progresses, an abdominal ultrasound can also visualize the heart’s activity, typically around 7 weeks.
For audible detection, a Doppler ultrasound (fetal Doppler) is commonly used during prenatal visits. This handheld device amplifies fetal heart sounds, usually allowing them to be heard between 10 and 12 weeks. Later in pregnancy, often after 18 to 20 weeks, a healthcare provider might use a specialized stethoscope, such as a fetoscope or Pinard horn, to listen to the baby’s heartbeat.
Fetal Heartbeat Development and Detection Timeline
The fetal heart begins developing remarkably early in pregnancy. Cardiac tissue starts to form and exhibit pulsing activity around 5 to 6 weeks of gestation. By the 10th week of pregnancy, the heart is typically fully developed. While the heart starts beating early, its sounds become stronger and more easily detectable as the fetus grows.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Regular prenatal appointments are important for monitoring the well-being of both the pregnant individual and the baby. Healthcare providers use these visits to track fetal development, including heart activity. If there are concerns about fetal well-being, such as a significant decrease in fetal movement after consistent movements have been established (typically by 28 weeks), contact a healthcare provider. Other symptoms that warrant medical attention include unusual or severe abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, or any other concerning signs. Not being able to feel the baby’s heartbeat directly through the abdomen is a normal experience and does not indicate a problem. Always seek professional advice for any health worries during pregnancy.