At what stage of pregnancy can a client typically hear the baby's heartbeat?

The heartbeat of a developing fetus can typically be detected around 10 to 12 weeks of pregnancy. At this stage, the fetus has progressed enough in its development that the heart is functioning, and its sounds can be monitored using a Doppler fetal monitor. This non-invasive method allows healthcare providers to listen to the heartbeat, which is an important milestone for both the parent and the healthcare team, as it signifies that the pregnancy is progressing normally.

In earlier weeks, specifically around 6 to 8 weeks, while the fetal heart begins to develop and may be seen on an ultrasound, it is not generally audible. Additionally, by 14 to 16 weeks, it is easier to hear the heartbeat, but the average timeframe when it can first be detected using a Doppler is around 10 to 12 weeks. By 20 weeks, the heartbeat is well established and easily heard, but the question specifically pertains to when it can typically first be detected, making the earlier stage of 10 to 12 weeks the most accurate response.