Cudly is not a medical device — and that's the whole point.
The FDA has warned consumers about home fetal dopplers for over a decade. Many apps tiptoe around medical claims. We don't. Here's exactly what Cudly is, what it isn't, and how we treat your data.
Three promises we put in writing.
We're a keepsake, not a doctor
Cudly cannot diagnose, screen, or monitor your pregnancy. For any concern about your baby, please call your OB. Always. We make this loud on purpose.
No ultrasound, no radiation
Cudly is a passive microphone recording. There is no ultrasound emission, no electromagnetic radiation, no waves of any kind. Your phone is listening, not transmitting.
Your pregnancy data is yours
We don't sell, share, or monetize your journal, recordings, or photos. They live on your device. Backup is opt-in and encrypted to your own cloud — we never see the content.
Please pick up the phone when:
- →You feel decreased fetal movement after 28 weeks
- →You have spotting or bleeding at any stage
- →You have severe headache, vision changes, or upper abdominal pain (possible preeclampsia)
- →You feel persistent stomach pain or cramping
- →Your water breaks before 37 weeks
- →You have a fever over 100.4°F (38°C)
- →Anything feels wrong, off, or scary — even if you can't name why
If you have any concern at all, call your OB's office or your local labor and delivery unit. They would rather hear from you ten times for nothing than not hear from you when it matters. So would we.
The honest answers.
Is using Cudly safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Cudly is a passive recording — it only listens via your phone's microphone. There is no ultrasound, no electromagnetic emission, no radiation. It's the same physical setup as holding any stethoscope to your belly.
Why isn't Cudly a medical device?
By choice. The FDA has issued multiple consumer warnings about home fetal dopplers because they cause false reassurance — users hear a sound, assume baby is fine, and delay seeking care when something is actually wrong. Cudly is built to avoid that failure mode entirely. We're a keepsake. For anything medical, call your OB.
Can Cudly tell me if my baby is okay?
No. Cudly cannot diagnose, monitor, or replace medical care. If you're worried about reduced fetal movement, unusual symptoms, or any sign that something is wrong, please call your OB or labor and delivery unit. Do not use Cudly (or any home doppler app) as a substitute for medical attention.
Does Cudly emit any waves or radiation?
No. The phone microphone is a passive sensor — it captures sound, it does not emit anything. Phones do emit Bluetooth/Wi-Fi/cellular signals during normal use, but those are not part of Cudly's recording function and are at the same level as carrying your phone in your pocket.
What does Cudly do with my journal data?
Your data stays on your device by default. If you opt in to backup, it syncs encrypted to your own iCloud or Google Drive — Cudly never sees the unencrypted content. We do not sell, share, or monetize your pregnancy data. We have no third-party advertising SDKs.
When should I call my doctor instead of using Cudly?
Any time you're worried. Decreased fetal movement after 28 weeks. Spotting or bleeding. Severe headaches. Vision changes. Persistent stomach pain. If something feels off, call your OB. Cudly is not a screening tool.
Are baby heartbeat apps reliable?
For diagnostic purposes — no, and we'd never claim that. For capturing a memory of what your pregnancy sounded like, sometimes — depending on stage, position, and equipment. We're honest about that distinction. Some apps aren't.
Made carefully. On purpose.
Cudly was built by people who lost pregnancies, raised babies, and built apps. We take both jobs seriously — and we keep them separate.