Hearing your baby’s heartbeat for the first time is a much-anticipated pregnancy milestone. It’s a magic moment, and for expectant parents who are concerned about their baby’s wellbeing, it can also provide very welcome reassurance.
So how long exactly do you have to wait for an audible heartbeat? Keep reading to find out when and how you can hear your baby’s heartbeat for the first time…
When does a baby have a heartbeat?
A baby’s heart starts to beat quite early in the pregnancy, at around 5 to 6 weeks; however, at this point the heartbeat is too faint to be heard without special equipment.
At your first ultrasound scan (which will usually take place around the 7 – 14 week mark), you should be able to see your baby’s heartbeat for the first time, but you will need to wait until around 16 weeks to actually hear your baby’s heartbeat for the first time.
Why do I need to wait until 16 weeks?
Rules vary from one country to the next, but here in the UK, you have to wait until you are at least 16 weeks pregnant before it is considered safe for sonographers to use an ultrasound doppler to listen to your baby’s heart. The doppler function that is used to capture an audible heartbeat generates a small amount of heat and is therefore considered unsafe to use before 16 weeks. For this reason, we at First Encounters will always verify gestation age with NHS maternity notes to ensure the safety of your baby!
So, if you visit us for an EarlyReassure™ scan at 7 – 14 weeks, we will be able to show you a visual representation of your baby’s heartbeat…but you won’t be able to hear it just yet. Should you choose to come back for a WellbeingAssure™ scan at 16 – 32 weeks, you will then be able to hear your baby’s heartbeat for the first time.
See Pregnancy Scan Types Explained for more information about our different scan packages, or click the button below to book your visit to First Encounters Ultrasound. Our clinic is conveniently located in Cardiff Gate, just off the M4.
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