Doppler auscultation is the use of a Doppler fetal monitor to listen to the fetal heartbeat for prenatal care. The monitor is a hand-held U/S transducer, which uses the Doppler effect to provide an audible simulation of the heart beat.

FHS is shorthand for fetal heart sound. FHR is an abbreviation for Fetal Heart Rate.

• Listen to the fetal heart beat
• Display the HR in bpm, in some models

• Apply the U/S gel to the tip of the Doppler fetal monitor
• Switch the monitor on, and adjust the volume as necessary
• Shift the monitor around the stomach until the heart beat can be located

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• Recommended against for home use, because of possible harm to the developing fetus. It should only be used by medical professionals for the benefit of the mother and child

• Fetal stethoscope (provide similar listening experience)
• Pregnancy ultrasound
• Fetal palpation (another Ix modality)
• Doppler scan (general)
• CTG