A girl's life takes a huge turn when she hears her baby's heartbeat for the first time. It is one of the most exciting experiences in a couple's life when they get to know that they're having a new life.
Imagine standing there in the hospital room, holding your partner's hand, and suddenly, the rhythmic thump-thump fills the air—a sound so tiny, yet so full of life. Tears fall, smiles stretch wide, and for a moment, time stands still.
Anyone planning a baby dreams of the day when they can hear the heartbeat of their baby, but when can you hear a baby's heartbeat?
For all the mommies and daddies-to-be, this guide will help you understand when a baby has a heartbeat and, most importantly when you can experience the joy of listening to that tiny heartbeat inside you.
When does a baby have a heartbeat?
Before knowing when does a baby have a heartbeat that you can listen to, let's have a look at the developmental journey of the baby.
4 Weeks Gestation:
Ultrasounds can detect a tube-like structure in the fetus that acts as a heart. Electrical activity starts in 4 weeks, although it is too weak to be detected by any device. Hence, you can't hear the baby's heartbeat after 4 weeks of conceiving.
5-6 Weeks Gestation:
It is a vital stage in the baby's life as the heart tube begins to beat and pump blood in the body. At this stage, a transvaginal ultrasound can help you detect the heartbeat.
7-8 Weeks Gestation:
In 7-8 weeks, the heart structure begins to develop with distinct chambers. At this stage, the baby's heartbeat becomes more regular and strong. You can detect the heartbeat with routine ultrasound.
Seeing that tiny heart, beat for the first time is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for first time parents. So, it is great to keep in contact with your gynac and ask them to take you along the journey of detecting your little one's heartbeat in 5-6 weeks.
When can you hear a baby's heartbeat?
Your doctor will use a 2D or 3D abdominal or transvaginal ultrasound at the first scan to detect the heartbeat. Transvaginal ultrasound is mainly preferred because it helps the doctor get a clear image of the embryo and better assess your baby's health. A 3d scan, on the other hand, allows the doctor to look deeper at the length of the fetus's width, height, and depth at the end of the first trimester.
If you want to know what to expect at your first scan during pregnancy, you must bring a notebook and pen while you read our detailed guide about it because you won't want to miss anything.
All those amazing dads talking to their babies in the womb, their voices filled with love and wonder, are moments that melt hearts. Most of these unforgettable memories are captured around the end of the first trimester, a magical time when the baby's heart is fully formed and beating strong.
It is often the moment parents hear their baby's heartbeat for the first time. It's the perfect time to bring a camera or phone because these moments are pure gold.
