To determine the best tool and location for listening to the fetal heart rate at 12 weeks' gestation, let's analyze each option provided in the question:
1. Stethoscope placed midline at the umbilicus: A stethoscope is generally not sensitive enough to pick up fetal heart sounds this early in pregnancy. At 12 weeks, the fetus is still too small and located further down in the pelvis as opposed to being at the umbilical region.
2. Doppler placed midline at the suprapubic region: A Doppler device is highly effective for detecting fetal heart tones early in pregnancy. At 12 weeks of gestation, the uterus is located low in the pelvis, near the suprapubic region. Placing the Doppler in this area increases the chance of picking up the fetal heartbeat.
3. Fetoscope placed midway between the umbilicus and the xiphoid process: A fetoscope is more commonly used later in pregnancy, generally after 18–20 weeks, when the fetus is larger and the heart sounds are more easily detectable. Additionally, at 12 weeks, the fetus is much lower in the pelvis, making this placement ineffective.
4. External electronic fetal monitor placed at the umbilicus: These monitors are also typically used later in pregnancy. At 12 weeks, the fetal heartbeat would be difficult to detect at the umbilical level due to the small size and lower position of the fetus in the pelvis.
Considering all the information, the nurse should use a Doppler placed midline at the suprapubic region to listen to the fetal heart rate at 12 weeks' gestation.
Hence, the correct answer is:
2. Doppler placed midline at the suprapubic region.
