When is a biophysical profile performed

A new study finds that epidurals do not affect child development in their later years. A fetal arrhythmia is an irregular heart rate — too fast, too slow, or otherwise outside the norm. It's often benign. Postpartum diarrhea after a C-section is normal. Sharing our experiences of pregnancy and infant loss can help us heal. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. What is a biophysical profile? Why would your doctor request a BPP? How is your score determined during a BPP, and what does it mean?

Parenthood Pregnancy Pregnancy Complications. Food List and More. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Carolyn Kay, M. Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. Medically reviewed by Heidi Moawad, M. The sensors are connected to a machine that records the information. Your baby's heartbeat may be heard as a beeping sound or printed out on a chart. If your baby moves or you have a contraction, you may be asked to push a button on the machine.

Your baby's heart rate is recorded and compared to the record of movement or your contractions. This test usually lasts about 30 minutes.

Often you do not need to remove your clothes for the ultrasound test; you can lift your shirt and push down the waistband of your skirt or pants. If you are wearing a dress, you will be given a cloth or paper covering to use during the test. When the test is finished, the gel is cleaned off of your skin. You can urinate as soon as the test is done. Transabdominal ultrasound takes about 30 to 60 minutes.

Ultrasound technologists are trained to gather images of your fetus but can't tell you whether it looks normal or not. Your health professional will share this information with you after the ultrasound images have been reviewed by a radiologist or perinatologist. Lying 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. There 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 non-stress test may falsely show distress in a baby that is actually healthy.

The results are scores on five measurements in a minute observation period. Each measurement has a score of 2 points if normal and 0 points if not normal.

Some BPPs do not 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 12 to 24 hours. A score of 4 or less may mean the baby is having problems. Further testing will be recommended. Reasons you may not be able to have the test or why the results may not be helpful include:. Author: Healthwise Staff.

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Top of the page. Test Overview A biophysical profile BPP test measures the health of your baby fetus during pregnancy. Special ultrasound methods are used to keep track of movement, increases in heart rate with movement non-stress test , muscle tone, breathing rate, and the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding your baby.

If these five areas are within a normal range, your baby is considered to be in good health. Check on your baby's health if you have: Hyperthyroidism. If your baby is asleep, this portion of the test might take a little longer. When the biophysical profile is complete, your health care provider will likely discuss the results with you right away. Each area that's evaluated during a biophysical profile is given a score of 0 or 2 points, depending on whether specific criteria were met.

A score can be given immediately. For example:. The individual scores are then added together for a total score. Typically, a score of 8 to 10 is reassuring. If you receive a score of 6, your health care provider will likely repeat the test within 24 hours or, if your pregnancy is near term, delivery might be recommended.

A score of 4 or lower means that further testing is needed or that you might need to deliver the baby early or immediately. In addition, if your health care provider finds that you have a low amount of amniotic fluid, you'll need further testing and might need to deliver your baby early — regardless of your overall score.

Certain factors can affect the results of a biophysical profile, including the recent use of corticosteroids to speed your baby's lung maturity. Taking certain medications, such as morphine, also can affect the score. Be sure to discuss the results of your biophysical profile with your health care provider to fully understand what they might mean for you and your baby.

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Sections for Biophysical profile About. Overview A fetal biophysical profile is a prenatal test used to check on a baby's well-being. More Information Gestational diabetes Preeclampsia. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Manning FA. The fetal biophysical profile.

Accessed Feb. Signore C, et al. Overview of antepartum fetal surveillance.