Fetal heart monitor is a device that can detect and amplify the heart beats of the fetus and enable the listeners to count and monitor the rate of heart beats. There are many devices with varying degrees of convenience, technology and comfort. But, all are effective when it comes to detecting and monitoring the heart beats. It choice of the devices boils down to the comfort of the users, more than anything else. Listed below are the most common types of fetal heart monitor that is available in the market.

Pinard Horn: This non technical device was invented in the early 19^th century by a Doctor and it has been commonly used since then. This device is a small and short unit consisting of a flat surface of medium circumference at one end and a conical protrusion that forms itself to resemble an elongated cup ending with the open side. The hollow of the conical cup gradually reduces in circumference and is minimal when it meets the stub end of the device. While usage, the flat end is placed on the mother’s abdomen and the hollow end is placed on the ear. The unit is moved around the abdomen till an amplified sound of the heart beat is heard.

Stethoscopes and Fetal stethoscopes: A regular stethoscope is a very efficient fetal heart monitor. In fact, practitioners prefer to use them to detect heart beat of the infant unless they see a special need to use other specialized units. For a regular person, using the stethoscope might not be an attractive option because it takes time to get used to them. The other option is a specialized fetal stethoscope. This device is similar in appearance to the regular one but is slightly modified at the business end. There is a bigger circumference flat end that is more effective in detecting fetal heart beats that are faint.

Fetal Dopplers: These are the most effective and efficient means of monitoring fetal heartbeats. The fetal Doppler beams ultrasound waves into the womb and the reflected waves are reabsorbed and analyzed. A stimulated replica of the heart beats is amplified and played back to the listeners. The fetal Doppler is very accurate and can also display the beats per minute on its screen for the benefit of the listeners. The advanced technology eliminates the possibilities of errors and increases the chances of detection and enhances the method of monitoring. It is also the easiest to use amongst all devices and can be bought or rented for personal use.