The timing of when you can hear a babys heartbeat depends on the method used to detect it. Here are some key points from the search results:

• Vaginal ultrasound: A fetal heartbeat may first be detected by a vaginal ultrasound as early as 5 1/2 to 6 weeks after gestation.
• Doppler: Youll most likely hear fetal cardiac activity with a Doppler at around the 15-week mark. Some manufacturers of at-home fetal Dopplers say you may be able to hear your baby’s heartbeat as early as 8-12 weeks of pregnancy, but professional sonographers say that they wouldn’t try to listen to a baby’s heartbeat before 13 weeks because the device won’t work correctly.
• Stethoscope: A babys heartbeat cannot be detected with a stethoscope until they are 18 to 20 weeks.

Its important to note that not being able to hear a babys heartbeat at an early stage of pregnancy doesnt necessarily mean theres a problem. If youre worried about your babys heartbeat, its best to reach out to your doctor. They can schedule a sonogram to reassure you that your babys heartbeat is normal.