Being pregnant for the first time is a mixture of excitement and anxiety. Sure, there are frequent pre-natal visits, but some mothers would like to monitor their babies on their own. As early as 20 weeks, mothers can use at-home heart rate monitors (like the BabyBeat Fetal Doppler) to listen to their baby’s heart and ensure that there is adequate oxygen flow and no troubles in the womb. Purchasing a baby monitor system like this is very expensive ($499!), so it’s recommended that expectant mothers rent one ($24-$49/month) instead.

Although baby heart rate monitors are most commonly used at pre-natal visits and during labor, some women like the idea of monitoring their babies at home. The Bellybeats or Babybeat Fetal Doppler baby monitor system can be rented for as little as $24-$49/month or purchased for as much as $499. Women who have miscarried or have had trouble with past pregnancies may find great comfort and peace of mind with a system like this, which allows them to keep track of their baby’s every breath to know that the term is going well.