What is a Doppler?
A Fetal Doppler is an ultrasound device which can detect the fetal heart beat. These are the same devices doctors, nurses and mid-wives use every day. Dopplers do not detect sound; they send ultrasonic waves which bounce off moving objects including the fetal heart, flowing blood and even the baby’s moving arms and legs.

Is a Doppler safe to use?
In over 30 years of daily use and with constant testing being done around the world, no adverse risks to the mother or baby have been detected. Our Dopplers have been approved by the Federal Department of Health’s Therapeutic Goods Administration and thus meet the highest of safety standards. The machine must only be used for its intended purpose and a couple of minutes each day should more than satisfy your desire to hear your baby’s heartbeat.

How early can the Doppler pick up my baby’s heartbeat?
A Doppler can detect the heartbeat from as early as 10-12 weeks however for some it may be later than this. Please refer to Doppler Tips for best results.

Will I be able to tell my baby’s heartbeat from mine?
Your heartbeat will be noticeably different from your baby’s. Please refer to Doppler Tips for more information.

Why do I need ultrasound gel?
Applying a layer of gel between the Doppler probe and the tummy ensures a clear signal for detecting the fetal heart beat. Doppler sound waves do not travel easily through the air and without the use of the gel, static interference may prevent a clear, audible sound. The Belly Beat Doppler comes with a 60g tube of ultrasound gel.

What if I run out of ultrasound gel?
We believe that the SignaGel brand gel you receive with your doppler is the best for both you and your machine. You can purchase additional gel via our website and we will get it in the post within 1 business day. Alternatively, you can use other water-based lubricants such as those found at chemists.

How long will it take me to receive my Doppler?
Orders placed by 3pm AEST (or AESDT during daylight saving), will be dispatched the same day. After this time it will be dispatched on the next business day. We use the Express Post service via Australia Post however, next business day delivery is not guaranteed.

Do I need to be at home to receive my Doppler?
You do not need to be at home at the time of delivery as Australia Post will leave a card for you if they cannot leave the parcel at your door or in your mailbox. This does mean that you will need to visit the post office as specified on the card to collect your parcel.

Is there a minimum hire period?
The minimum hire period is one month.

Is there a maximum hire period?
There is no maximum hire period however if you feel you would like to hire a unit for an extended period of time you might like to look at purchasing the unit outright.

Will my hire fees apply if I decide to buy the Doppler?
All hire fees paid to date will be taken off the purchase price of the Doppler should you decide to purchase it.

How does the billing system work?
By hiring a Belly Beat Doppler you authorise PayPal to charge the monthly hire fee and the one-off non-refundable return postage fee to your nominated credit card or bank account. This first payment, and subsequent payments, will be charged to your account on the date the order was placed. The hire fee will be charged until the unit is returned to Belly Beat Doppler Hire or the Doppler is purchased and paid for in full. Your hire date does not start until the Doppler is dispatched.

What if I want my Doppler delivered to work but haven’t told them I am pregnant?
Belly Beat Doppler Hire understands the need for discretion. The parcel does not have the business name specified anywhere to ensure your privacy.

What if you are out of stock?
Once you have placed your order we will contact you to let you know we are out of stock and provide you with an estimated wait time. At that time you can cancel your order or choose to wait for a Doppler to become available. Your hire period will not start until the Doppler is dispatched.

What do I need to do at the end of my hire?
Please click here for instructions on what to do with the Doppler at the end of your hire.