A doctor can typically hear a fetal heartbeat around week 12 of pregnancy.
While a healthcare provider might detect a flutter of cells as early as week 6, this isn't a fully formed heartbeat. The fetal heart doesn't fully develop until around week 10. It's generally around week 12 that a doctor can reliably hear the heartbeat using a Doppler ultrasound.
Here's a breakdown:
- Week 6: A flutter of cells might be detected. This is early cardiac activity, but not a fully formed heartbeat.
- Week 10: The fetal heart is generally formed.
- Week 12: A doctor can typically hear the heartbeat using a Doppler ultrasound.
This timeline can vary slightly depending on factors such as the mother's weight and the position of the fetus. If there are concerns, your healthcare provider can provide more specific information based on your individual situation.
