Biophysical Profile
A 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 Done
A biophysical profile (BPP) test is done to:
- Learn about and keep track of your baby's health. Special ultrasound methods are used to keep track of movement, increases in heart rate with movement (nonstress test), muscle tone, breathing rate, and the amount of amniotic fluid (amniotic fluid index) 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.
- Bleeding problems.
- Lupus.
- Chronic kidney disease.
- Type 1 diabetes or gestational diabetes.
- High blood pressure (hypertension).
- Preeclampsia.
- A small amount of amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios) or too much amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios).
- A multiple pregnancy (such as twins or triplets).
- A pregnancy that has gone past your due date, between 40 and 42 weeks.