Moms who endured pregnancy back before ultrasounds and fetal Dopplers are heroes, in my opinion. Not because these tools make the physical side effects any less severe, but for those of us who don’t like surprises, the information they provide can be ridiculously important. Likewise, and for many of us, the first time you hear the baby's heart beat is the first time you hear, well, the baby.
Of course, and especially before the sounds are clear, there are some intense moments during that first doctor's visit, where we go back and forth between trying to understand the weird ocean noises that the Doppler makes, and trying to understand our doctor's facial expression as they search for it.It's exciting and scary and reassuring and terrifying. Actually, now that I think about it, it’s not that different from the rest of pregnancy. Still, when there's medical equipment and fluorescent lights, you anxiety can feel heightened and more intense. I even contemplated getting a fetal Doppler for home use, but I never made the leap and actually purchased one. Perhaps if I ever find myself pregnant again, I'll reconsider.
In the meantime, I have the beautiful memories of my first pregnancy to reflect upon, and I'm guessing that I'm not alone when I think back on the moment I heard my baby's heartbeat for the first time, and consider it one of the best moments of my pregnancy (and even my life). Here's a sample of the kind of things that go through the mind of a new mom hearing her baby's heartbeat, because nostalgia and emotions and all the feels, you guys.