Your doctor may recommend a BPP test if you're past your due date or have a higher risk of problems during pregnancy. You could be at higher risk because of health conditions, such as diabetes or
preeclampsia. Or, you may need a BPP after a fall or other accident to make sure your baby is healthy. The BPP is a combination of tests that check your baby's health. It measures your baby's body movement and muscle tone. It also measures how fast your baby's heart rate accelerates during movement, and the
amount of amniotic fluid protecting your baby in the womb. The BPP is safe and non-invasive. It lasts about 30 minutes. Part of the biophysical profile is an ultrasound. This
tracks your baby's movement and tests the amount of amniotic fluid. You'll lie on your back and a technician will hold the ultrasound wand against your belly. Another part of the BPP is a nonstress test that monitors your baby's heartbeat for 20 minutes. The doctor will put an elastic band with two sensors around your belly to pick up your baby's heartbeat. Some doctors start out by only doing the ultrasound part of the BPP and later may add on this nonstress test if the doctor needs more
information after that is done. The results of each part of the test -- heart rate, breathing, body movement, muscle tone, and amount of amniotic fluid -- are added up to form a total score. A score of eight to 10 means your baby seems healthy. Scores lower than eight usually mean that you need retesting. A very low score could indicate your baby is in distress. Your doctor could recommend early
delivery. If your doctor decides you need one, you would probably get a BPP in the last trimester. Some women get them earlier. Your doctor may suggest follow-up BPPs for the rest of your pregnancy. Nonstress Test, Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI), deep pocket measurements, ultrasound, amniotic fluid volume assessment Test OverviewA biophysical profile (BPP) test measures the health of your baby (fetus) during pregnancy. A BPP test may include a nonstress test with electronic fetal heart monitoring and a fetal ultrasound. The BPP measures your baby's heart rate, muscle tone, movement, breathing, and the amount of amniotic fluid around your baby. A BPP is commonly done in the last trimester of pregnancy. If there is a chance that your baby may have problems during your pregnancy (high-risk pregnancy), a BPP may be done by 32 to 34 weeks or earlier. Some women with high-risk pregnancies may have a BPP test every week or twice a week in the third trimester. Why It Is DoneA biophysical profile (BPP) test is done to:
How To Prepare
How It Is DoneThe BPP has two parts. First you have a nonstress test, and then you have a fetal ultrasound. For the tests, you will lie back on a padded exam table. If you become short of breath or lightheaded while lying on your back, say so. The technician can help you change your position. Nonstress test
Fetal ultrasound
How long the test takes
How It FeelsLying on your back (or side) during the test may be uncomfortable. During a fetal ultrasound, you may have a feeling of pressure in your bladder. The gel may feel cool when it is first applied to your stomach. You will feel a light pressure from the transducer as it passes over your abdomen. RisksThere is very little chance of either the mother or the baby having a problem from a biophysical profile (BPP). But you may feel anxious if the ultrasound reveals a problem with your pregnancy or baby. A nonstress test may falsely show distress in a baby that is actually healthy. ResultsThe results are scores on five measurements in a 30-minute observation period. Each measurement has a score of 2 points if normal and 0 points if not normal. Some BPPs don't include all the measurements. When all five measurements are taken, a score of 8 or 10 points means that your baby is healthy. A score of 6 or 8 points means that you may need to be retested in 24 hours. A score of 4 or less may mean the baby is having problems. CreditsCurrent as of: February 23, 2022 Author: Healthwise Staff How is a biophysical profile performed?The biophysical profile consists of a nonstress test and an ultrasound exam. Nonstress test: An electronic fetal monitor is used to measure the fetal heart rate while you're reclining or lying down. A belt with an electronic sensor is placed around her abdomen.
What is the test use in obtaining biophysical profile of the baby?The biophysical profile combines 2 tests to check your unborn baby's overall health: a nonstress test and an ultrasound. Nonstress test. This test checks your baby's heart rate and your contractions. This is done through devices (sensors) that are strapped to belts wrapped around your belly.
What equipment will be used to assess the fetal movement and the placental grading?The BPP uses ultrasound to assess 1) fetal movement, 2) tone, 3) breathing and 4) the amniotic fluid volume that surrounds the baby. In addition, the baby's heartbeat is monitored over a 20‐minute period using a CTG machine.
Is a biophysical profile an ultrasound?The biophysical profile (BPP) is a maximum 30-minute long ultrasound assessment to assess fetal well-being coupled with a fetal heart rate tracing.
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