Are you looking for a fetal doppler but can not afford to buy one? Renting may actually be a better option for you. It is likely that you don't know exactly what the average prices for renting dopplers are, or what consists of a good deal. Here is some information to help you with your decision.
The first thing you should know is that prices for renting dopplers will often vary based on the duration of the rental. Very long rentals will sometimes be eligible for discounts or even automatically be more cost to time efficient. By contrast, rentals that are short-duration may cost more than you expect. Therefore, if you want to get the most 'bang for your buck,' as it were, then you should rent a doppler for the majority of the pregnancy rather than at the last minute for the final month or two. The absolute worst thing to do is to rent a doppler in short periods over and over again, renewing the rentals to cover the pregnancy. This will rarely allow you to benefit from discounts, and is a lot of extra work to boot. Figure out how long you're going to want a doppler, and rent for that exact amount of time.
Some stores may also offer discounts for bundling certain related items with a doppler rental. In this case, it is important to distinguish between necessary and frivolous items. If you rent or buy a doppler, you are going to need ultrasound gel. That is pretty much mandatory in order for the device to function properly. So if you can get a discount by buying gel along with a rental, then you have nothing to lose by taking the offer. On the other hand, some sites may tempt you with other items that aren't related to doppler use in any way. Do you really need that morning after drop? Only add on extra things to the deal if you're certain you need them and are going to buy them anyway regardless.
Prices on dopplers will also differ based on the various specifics of particular models. Some doppler models are stronger than others, although even the weaker ones are still reasonably accurate when used properly. Some will come with extra functions, such as a heartbeat calculator. Decide whether you want or need those additional features or not. There is no sense in paying for a rental you're unsatisfied about, or in paying more for things you won't use.
Average doppler rental fees will range from twenty to fifty dollars monthly, not taking into account further duration based discounts as mentioned above. Twenty-five to thirty dollars is usually enough for most people's needs, and still quite a bit cheaper than just plain purchasing a fetal doppler. Just be sure to keep your doppler in good condition. If it breaks, you'll most likely have to pay for it, losing all the money you saved by renting in the first place.
