Biophysical Profile (BPP)
Fetal Biophysical Profile
What To Think About
- A biophysical profile includes a nonstress test with electronic fetal heart monitoring and a fetal ultrasound. For more information, see the medical tests Electronic Fetal Heart Monitoring and Fetal Ultrasound.
- Additional tests, such as a contraction stress test, may be recommended if your results are not normal. For more information, see the medical test Contraction Stress Test.
- If there is a chance that you or your baby may have problems during your pregnancy, you may have a biophysical profile test every week or twice a week during the last 12 weeks of your pregnancy. Your chances of having problems may be higher if you have:
- Certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, kidney disease, diabetes, preeclampsia, or autoimmune diseases.
- A history of a stillbirth or preeclampsia.
- A history of Rh incompatibility.
- A history of early labor, premature rupture of membranes (PROM), or placenta problems.
- If your baby seems small for the length of the pregnancy or is not growing (intrauterine growth retardation or restriction).
- A biophysical profile may be done after an injury, such as a car crash or fall. Your doctor may recommend additional BPP tests during the rest of your pregnancy.
- Research is being done on the usefulness of BPP testing during labor. Low BPP test scores may help predict the need for a cesarean section or whether a baby will need specialty care after delivery.
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| Author: | Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC | Last Updated: July 20, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology | |
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| Topic Contents | |
| Test Overview | |
| Why It Is Done | |
| How To Prepare | |
| How It Is Done | |
| How It Feels | |
| Risks | |
| Results | |
| What Affects the Test | |
 | What To Think About |
| Related Information | |
| References | |
| Credits | |