You're on the table waiting for your doctor to find the baby’s heartbeat. Whether it takes five seconds or a few minutes, chances are you're going to be breaking out in a sweat. Seeing that rapid flutter on the screen in the first trimester or hearing that thunderous “chug chug chug” or the sound of a “galloping horse” sound in the last two trimesters is music to the ears for many new parents but you have to be a few months on before you can hear it that way.

With ultrasound you can see the heart beat as early as 6 weeks gestation and hear it safely as early as 12 weeks gestation. Many factors can attribute to how early you can see your baby’s heartbeat. Positioning of the foetus, weight of the mother, and time can all factor in on how early you will be able to see the heartbeat.

At around 18 to 20 weeks or sometimes sooner your baby’s heart beat should be able to be heard with a stethoscope at your doctor’s office. This still remains to be one of the most exciting moments in pregnancy…..hearing your baby’s heartbeat.

When you hear your baby’s heartbeat, there's a lot more going on than the soothing sounds of a healthy baby. Your doctor is most likely calculating the rate of beats to ensure the pregnancy is going well. A normal range can be anywhere over 100 beats a minute to as fast as 180! While this seems like a lot, don't be alarmed by the fast thumping. When it comes to an unborn baby's heartbeat, fast is good. If you are concerned, or just keen on hearing the sweet sound, you can purchase a home foetal Doppler which will allow you to hear what is going on from the comfort of your own home.