Fetal heart sounds can be heard with a stethoscope after several weeks.
Disease description:
I am currently two months pregnant and have heard that a fetal heartbeat can be detected using a stethoscope. At how many weeks of gestation can the fetal heartbeat first be heard with a stethoscope?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Zhe
Typically, fetal heart sounds can be auscultated through the maternal abdominal wall using a stethoscope at 18–20 weeks of gestation. Under normal circumstances, the fetal heart rate ranges from approximately 120 to 160 beats per minute. Pregnant women should follow their healthcare provider’s recommendations for regular prenatal check-ups and closely monitor fetal development and well-being. Daily diet should be nutritionally balanced; avoid raw, cold, spicy, or excessively “cold” foods (per traditional Chinese medicine principles), refrain from taking medications indiscriminately, and avoid exposure to toxic chemical fumes. Additionally, moderate outdoor physical activity is encouraged to enhance overall physical fitness.
