Question about listening to fetal heartbeat

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone,

I am 21 weeks pregnant. I borrowed a stethoscope from a friend and I

have been trying to find the heartbeat. I have read in a couple of different

books that it is audible by stethoscope around the 17-20 week. I know what my

own heart sounds like, and I know what the fetal heartbeat sounds like from the

doppler, but I can't seem to find it on myself. Any advice? I know it might

just be a VERY faint swishing sound, but I can't even find that. I borrowed

the darn thing, in the first place, because I am having my usual monthly

pre-doctor visit fears that there is something wrong. Now I just feel worse

because

I can't hear that heartbeat! I know that I'm driving myself crazy... but I'm

sure that someone else on this list can relate and offer some advice. Any

tricks to this??

Thank you in advance,

Dee in Ohio