What is the difference between a Fetal Doppler and an Ultrasound Machine?
There appears to be some confusion surrounding the perceived differences between the ultrasound machines (sonogram machines) used to obtain an image and fetal heartbeat monitors which allow you to listen to heartbeats. Although both technologies use sound waves to obtain information, the waves from an ultrasound machine are much, much higher (over 40 times higher) than that of a fetal heartbeat monitor. Also, the frequency and variation of probe use (between 5-10 mhz probes) and output levels (up to 740 watts) require that only a trained ultrasound technician perform an ultrasound. A fetal heartbeat monitor only has one probe (3 mhz) and one output level (less than 20 watts) so it can be easily and safely used by anyone. Also, a fetal doppler is not the same thing as a blood flow doppler (used to check for abnormalities in the umbilical cord). Ultrasound machines used to obtain pictures along with fetal doppler umbilical cord testing are medical procedures that should only be performed
