When Can I Hear My Baby’s Heartbeat? A Guide for Expecting Parents

One of the most magical moments in pregnancy is hearing your baby’s heartbeat for the first time. The sound provides reassurance that your baby is growing strong and helps you feel closer to your little one. Here’s a breakdown of when you can expect to hear your baby’s heartbeat, how it’s detected, and what to anticipate at each stage.

How Early Can You Hear a Baby’s Heartbeat?

Your baby’s heart begins to develop early in pregnancy, usually starting to beat around the 5th or 6th week. However, it takes a few more weeks before this tiny heartbeat can be detected by medical equipment.

• Around 6 to 8 Weeks: Some healthcare providers can detect a faint heartbeat with a transvaginal ultrasound. This method involves placing an ultrasound probe inside the vagina, which provides a clearer picture of your uterus than an abdominal ultrasound at this early stage. At this point, the heartbeat is often very faint, and it can sometimes be challenging to detect if it’s early in the 6th week​.
• Around 10 to 12 Weeks: During your first trimester checkup, your provider may use a Doppler device to listen to the heartbeat externally through your abdomen. The Doppler device amplifies the sound, allowing you and your partner to hear it. By this stage, most heartbeats can be detected, although in some cases, it may still be too faint to hear depending on factors like the baby’s position or your body type.
• After 18 to 20 Weeks: If you haven’t yet heard the heartbeat, it will be checked and monitored during the anatomy ultrasound around 20 weeks. At this stage, the heartbeat is typically strong and easy to detect with an abdominal ultrasound, and the rate of the heartbeat can also offer insights into your baby’s health.

What the Heartbeat Sounds Like

Many parents describe the heartbeat as a “galloping” sound, similar to a horse’s hooves, due to its rapid pace. Early in pregnancy, the baby’s heart rate is around 90–110 beats per minute and can increase to 140–170 beats per minute as the pregnancy progresses.

Why You May Not Hear the Heartbeat Right Away

It’s natural to feel disappointed or concerned if you don’t hear the heartbeat at your first appointment, but there are common reasons why this happens:

• Timing: If it’s early in the pregnancy (around 6 weeks), your baby may still be too small for the heartbeat to be easily detected.
• Positioning: The baby’s position or movement, as well as the placement of the placenta, can make it difficult to pick up the sound.
• Body Type: In some cases, factors like a tilted uterus or body type can make detecting the heartbeat more challenging early on. These issues generally resolve as the baby grows.

Tips for Bonding While You Wait to Hear the Heartbeat

Waiting to hear your baby’s heartbeat can feel like a long time. Here are some ways to bond in the meantime:

• Talk to Your Baby: Your baby begins developing a sense of hearing by 18 weeks, so talking or singing to them is a great way to connect.
• Take Care of Yourself: Prioritize self-care with nutritious food, exercise, and relaxation practices. A calm, healthy environment benefits both you and your baby.
• Practice Visualization: Spend a few moments each day imagining holding and talking to your baby to build a strong emotional connection even before hearing the heartbeat.

Final Thoughts

Hearing your baby’s heartbeat is a major milestone and a powerful reminder of the new life growing inside you. While the timing can vary, most parents hear the heartbeat between 10 and 12 weeks. And remember, your healthcare provider is always there to answer any questions and provide the support you need as you wait for this special moment.