At what gestational age is it common for a fetal heartbeat to be detected via Doppler ultrasound?

A fetal heartbeat can typically be detected via Doppler ultrasound commonly between 10 to 12 weeks of gestation. At this stage, the fetal heart is developed enough for the ultrasound waves to pick up the rhythmic sounds of the heartbeat. This early detection is important for confirming pregnancy and evaluating fetal well-being.

While a heartbeat may sometimes be detectable as early as 6-8 weeks via transvaginal ultrasound, Doppler ultrasound generally becomes effective around the later end of that early period. Between 14-16 weeks and 18-20 weeks, detection rates improve further as the fetus grows and the heart becomes more robust, but the primary window where detection via Doppler is typically confirmed is during the 10-12 week gestation mark. Therefore, this range is recognized as the standard period for Doppler detection of the fetal heartbeat.