A Biophysical profile is an ultrasound evaluation to determine if the baby is doing well during the pregnancy. It looks at 4 parameters (5 if a fetal tracing is added). The test is scored out of 8 for the ultrasound portion only and 10 if the fetal tracing is added. The 4 ultrasound parameters observed include fetal breathing, movement, and muscle tone as well as the adequacy of the amniotic fluid. The ultrasound is usually completed within 30 minutes and a score of 8 or 10 is reassuring. A score of 6 or less will need more evaluation. There are some maternal and fetal conditions that will require a BPP to be performed either once or twice a week and usually starting in the third trimester.
Some (not all) conditions that would need a BPP for management:
- Going past your due date
- High blood pressure
- Preeclampsia
- Diabetes or gestational diabetes
- Some autoimmune problems such as lupus
- A small baby
- Low amniotic fluid or high amniotic fluid