Lindi Clay used a Doppler from about 10 weeks into her pregnancy until delivery. "I had a prior miscarriage, and for my own peace of mind I wanted to hear the baby's heartbeat as much as possible," says Clay, who is from St Louis, Mo. She says the Doppler gave her a sense of relief, and there were no downsides to the experience.

Once reserved for visits with the doctor or midwife, the swooshing sound of an unborn baby's heartbeat can now be enjoyed at home. Many expectant parents are renting or buying Doppler fetoscopes for at-home use.

However, many experts aren't as enthusiastic about the trend. In fact, in 2006 the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists issued a letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration advising against over-the-counter availability of Doppler listening devices, in response to a citizen petition for the same.

So what's all the fuss about?

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