Fetal Doppler Rental

Maybe you're interested in renting or buying a fetal doppler or you know someone who has. If so, you may be unaware that FDA regulation requires you to acquire physician approval in the form of a prescription to legally rent or purchase a fetal doppler.

According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, the penalty for procuring a medical device without a prescription can be as high as $16,500 per violation. This means that not only could the company you rent or buy from be fined, but you could be as well. Beware of online fetal doppler rental companies that don't require a prescription. These companies are putting their profitability ahead of your well-being.

Stork Radio is one of the first online fetal doppler companies and is the only one legally renting and selling fetal dopplers online. They've even implemented systems within their Website to make getting physician approval as easy as possible. Just place your order providing the patient's name, physician's name, phone and fax numbers and Stork Radio will fax a caregiver approval form to you. All you need do is follow up with your physician and make sure they fax it back. It's easy and, most importantly, legal.

Are fetal doppler monitors safe?

Yes. Since the late 1950s, ultrasound technology has been used in Obstetrics/Gynecology with no evidence of any harmful side effects for mother or baby. The FDA regulates ultrasound technology and has approved the fetal doppler for 'continuous use.' This isn't to say you should monitor the heartbeat of your unborn baby 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We feel that with everything in life, moderation is the best policy. When using a fetal doppler, each exam should take no longer than 7 to 10 minutes, 2 to 3 times a week.

Are all fetal doppler monitors created equally?

If you've been researching the fetal doppler market you know that it is becoming saturated with many different models offering various capabilities and options. The first thing you should ensure when renting or purchasing a fetal doppler is its FDA approval. Every fetal doppler on the market that uses ultrasound technology (the only kind you want) must be approved by the FDA. Secondly, be sure the equipment you're renting or buying is a medical grade baby doppler which uses ultrasound technology and not simply a microphone which simply amplifies digestive sounds (BeBe Sounds, etc.). You won't find a medical grade fetal doppler at your local Wal-Mart. Finally, rent or buy from a reputable company such as Stork Radio.com which offers great prices on top-of-the-line medical grade fetal dopplers as well as industry leading customer service.

How do I know which fetal doppler is right for me?

Another important question to consider before renting a fetal doppler is which one is right for you. For the most part, there are two different types of fetal dopplers on the market - regular and digital. A regular model is very basic and will allow you to hear your unborn baby's heartbeat (rentals range from $20 to $32 per month). The digital fetal doppler will also let you hear the heartbeat, but also offers the added benefit of a digital display of your baby's heartbeats per minute or BPM (rentals range from $45 to $49 per month). Deciding between the two is usually based purely on personal preference, except in the case of a multiple pregnancy. In this instance you will need a digital display to distinguish one baby from another.

Fetal dopplers come with either a 2 or 3 MHz probe. The 2 MHz (specialty probe) probes are generally better for overweight patients as its more concentrated ultrasound emission (beam) can pass more easily through the extra layers of fat surrounding the uterus. This concentrated, lower frequency beam also enables the fetal doppler to pick up the fetal heartbeat earlier in pregnancy and often enables expecting parents to listen in as early as 8 weeks into their pregnancy.

What else should I know?

Fetal dopplers are a wonderful way to begin bonding with your baby and have helped countless expecting parents ease their fears between monthly visits to their healthcare provider. If you choose to rent or purchase one, be sure your are doing it legally. You have enough to worry about preparing for the birth of your new baby to worry about possible fines from the FDA.

As a consumer, you should always do plenty of research before making a purchase. We understand this and would like to offer you our advice on the most reputable and customer-friendly, Internet-based fetal doppler company.

Stork Radio Fetal Doppler Rental