Bpp Biophysical Profile

A biophysical profile (BPP) is a way to check the status of a developing baby, or fetus. A BPP includes a pregnancy ultrasound, which is a type of X-ray test that uses sound waves. A BPP also includes checking the baby’s heart rate for a period of time. This part of the test is also called a nonstress test. A BPP is usually done in the last 3 months, or third trimester, of pregnancy.

Who is a candidate for the test?

The healthcare provider may order a BPP if there is concern about the health of the baby. A BPP may be ordered if the mother has one or more of the following health problems:

autoimmune disorder, which is a condition in which the body creates antibodies against its own tissues for no known reason

certain kidney, lung, or heart diseases

chronic high blood pressure

drug addiction

history of miscarriage or stillbirth

HIV or AIDS

preeclampsia, a type of high blood pressure that can occur during pregnancy

recent car accident or other trauma

sickle cell anemia, which results in abnormal red blood cells

A BPP may be done if the healthcare provider suspects problems with the pregnancy, such as:

certain problems with the placenta, which attaches the baby to the mother

early rupture of the membranes that surround and protect the baby in the womb

a pregnancy that lasts longer than 41 to 42 weeks

Rh incompatibility between mother and baby

too little or too much amniotic fluid, the fluid surrounding the baby

A BPP may also be ordered because of problems in the developing fetus, including:

a baby that is developing too slowly

decreased movements of the baby as felt by the mother

an infant with known birth defects

multiple pregnancy, such as twins or triplets

How is the test performed?

During the procedure, the mother lies on her left side to maximize blood flow to the baby. The healthcare provider usually does a nonstress test first. This involves pasting electrodes on the skin of the mother’s abdomen. The baby’s heart tracing is then recorded through the skin painlessly. This is followed by a detailed pregnancy ultrasound. The BPP results in a score of zero to 10. Each part of the profile may receive a score of zero or 2. The higher the score, the better. The scoring is as follows:

amniotic fluid volume. A baby receives a score of 2 if there is a normal amount of amniotic fluid. Too little amniotic fluid results in a score of zero.

fetal body movements. A score of 2 is given for normal, active body movements. A score of zero means absent or decreased movements.

fetal breathing movements. The baby gets a score of 2 if he or she has normal breathing activity. A score of zero is given for an absence of normal breathing activity.

fetal tone. The baby gets a score of 2 if his or her arms and legs are flexed with one episode of stretching or extending the limbs. A score of zero means the baby didn’t move or doesn’t have normal flexed arm and leg positions.

nonstress test. The baby gets a score of 2 if the heart rate is normal over time. If the heart is not normal, the baby gets a score of zero.

What is involved in preparation for the test?

There is no preparation needed for a biophysical profile.

What do the test results mean?

A score of 8 to 10 is considered normal. A score of 6 is borderline. A score below 6 means that the baby may have problems if labor begins. Abnormal results may require repeat of the BPP or even immediate delivery. Here is what low scores in biophysical profiles may mean.

Too much acid is in the baby’s body fluids.

The baby is not getting enough oxygen.

The baby is very ill or even dying.

Further, more aggressive testing or even immediate delivery may be needed if the BPP is below normal.