The Complete Guide to Ultrasound Necklaces: Benefits, Safety & How to Use

What is an Ultrasound Necklace?

An ultrasound necklace is a novel piece of wearable technology that allows expecting parents to bond with their baby before birth. The necklace contains a small ultrasound device that can detect fetal heartbeats when held against the mother's belly. The sound of the heartbeat is then amplified and played through a built-in speaker on the necklace pendant.

Ultrasound necklaces provide a private, intimate way for expectant parents to connect with their unborn child anytime, anywhere. They are specially designed to be safe for daily use and let parents discreetly listen in on their baby's heartbeat without needing an ultrasound technician or doctor present.

How Ultrasound Necklaces Work

Ultrasound necklaces use Doppler technology - the same type of ultrasound used in fetal monitors at doctor's offices - to detect baby's heartbeat. The necklace contains a small ultrasound probe that emits high-frequency sound waves when activated. These waves bounce off the fetus and return to the probe.

The time it takes for the waves to echo back indicates the distance to the fetus. When the motion of the fetal heart is detected, it changes the frequency of the reflected sound waves through the Doppler effect. This shift in frequency gets translated into the familiar "lub-dub" sound of the fetal heartbeat.

The built-in microphone on the necklace picks up these sound waves and amplifies them so parents can listen in clearly. Modern ultrasound necklaces use crystal clear audio technology to isolate and play just the heartbeat sounds through the speaker.

Benefits of Ultrasound Necklaces

For expecting parents, an ultrasound necklace offers a wealth of unique benefits not found with other pregnancy gadgets or apps:

Bonding & Emotional Connection

Being able to listen to their baby's heartbeat helps parents bond and feel emotionally connected, even months before birth. Hearing the heartbeat makes the pregnancy more real and can be very reassuring.

Portability & Privacy

Ultrasound necklaces are portable so mothers can listen to the fetal heartbeat anytime, privately. There's no need to wait for a doctor's appointment or use speakerphone so others can hear.

Fun For Fathers

Partners and fathers-to-be get to bond with the baby as well. An ultrasound necklace makes a great gift for dads so they can listen in whenever they want.

Sharing the Excitement

Parents can use the necklace to share their baby's heartbeat with grandparents, siblings, or close friends. This creates a special way for loved ones to connect with the baby before birth.

Peace of Mind

Being able to check on the heartbeat regularly can provide reassurance between prenatal visits. Listening daily helps anxious parents relax.

Gender Reveal Fun

Some parents use ultrasound necklaces for exciting gender reveals, listening to the heartbeat together before finding out if it's a boy or girl.

When Can You Hear the Heartbeat with an Ultrasound Necklace?

Most ultrasound necklaces can detect a fetal heartbeat from as early as 8-10 weeks into pregnancy. However, every woman and pregnancy is different, so don't be concerned if you can't hear it right away during the first trimester.

The baby's heart begins beating around 6 weeks gestation, but it may take a couple more weeks before the heartbeat is loud enough to detect with an at-home doppler device. The sound may be faint at first.

From about 10-12 weeks onward, parents can listen in more clearly as the baby's heart gets stronger. An ultrasound necklace should reliably pick up the heartbeat at 12 weeks for most normal pregnancies.

How to Use an Ultrasound Necklace

Using an ultrasound necklace to listen to your baby's heartbeat takes just a few simple steps:

Step 1: Get Comfortable

Sit or lay in a comfortable position where you can easily reach your belly. Loose fitting clothes work best.

Step 2: Apply Gel

Apply some ultrasound gel to the reader on your necklace. This helps transmit the sound waves. Any basic ultrasound gel will work.

Step 3: Find Baby's Position

Determine baby's position by feeling your belly. Press the reader against your belly near where you feel the baby's head/body.

Step 4: Angle & Adjust

Angle the reader in different directions, adjust pressure, and move it slowly around until you hear the heartbeat. The sound may come and go until you find the sweet spot.

Step 5: Listen & Enjoy!

When you've found the heartbeat, relax and enjoy listening to your baby! Note baby's heart rate and let your partner have a listen too.

Where to Buy Ultrasound Necklaces

Ultrasound necklaces are available from a variety of online retailers including Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and specialty pregnancy websites. Prices typically range from $50 - $200.

For the best quality and accuracy, look for necklaces from reputable brands like Wusic, Sonoline, or Angelsounds. Avoid cheap knock-offs.

Make sure to choose a necklace designed specifically for picking up fetal heartbeats, not just bodily sounds. Also double check for a guarantee so you can return it if defective.

Are Ultrasound Necklaces Safe to Use?

Medical experts and organizations like the FDA confirm ultrasound necklaces are perfectly safe when used properly. The ultrasound technology they use gives off only a fraction of the energy of hospital ultrasound machines and poses no known risks.

However, to stay safe:

• Use the necklace in moderation, for only a few minutes daily.
• Always apply gel before use.
• Follow product instructions carefully.
• Stop immediately if you experience any pain or discomfort.
• Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.

As long as you take basic precautions, ultrasound necklaces are a fun way for expecting parents to bond with baby during pregnancy.

The Takeaway on Ultrasound Necklaces

Ultrasound necklaces are a unique wearable technology that let parents listen to their baby's heartbeat privately from the comfort of home. The necklaces use Doppler ultrasound to detect fetal heartbeats as early as 8-10 weeks.

Expecting mothers and fathers can use the necklaces daily to bond with baby, provide reassurance between prenatal visits, and share the excitement with loved ones. They make a thoughtful gift for new parents.

Look for quality ultrasound necklaces from reputable brands and always use as directed. When used properly, they are a safe way for parents-to-be to connect emotionally with their little one before birth.

FAQs

How early can you hear the fetal heartbeat with an ultrasound necklace?

Most ultrasound necklaces can detect the baby's heartbeat as early as 8-10 weeks into pregnancy. However, every woman is different. Don't worry if you can't hear it right away during the first trimester.

Do ultrasound necklaces work on bigger women?

Yes, ultrasound necklaces have been designed to work on women of all shapes and sizes. The sound waves can penetrate deep enough to detect the fetal heartbeat in larger women.

Can an ultrasound necklace tell you the baby's gender?

No, an ultrasound necklace only picks up the heartbeat sound. An ultrasound machine is required to actually image the baby to determine gender.

Are ultrasound necklaces as accurate as professional ultrasounds?

Ultrasound necklaces provide accurate heartbeat readings but cannot replace full medical ultrasounds. They do not give as complete info as professional imaging.

Can I wear an ultrasound necklace all day long?

You should only wear an ultrasound necklace for short periods to listen to the heartbeat, not all day long. Follow the manufacturer's safety guidelines.