[header] How to hear the fetal heartbeat [title] Use a stethoscope. [step] A basic stethoscope is one of the easiest ways to listen to the fetal heartbeat at home. When you are between 18 and 20 weeks pregnant, the heartbeat should be strong enough for you to listen to with this method. 
Simply place the stethoscope on your belly and listen. You may have to move it around a bit to find the heartbeat.