Biophysical Profile (BPP)

Fetal Biophysical Profile

What To Think About

• A biophysical profile may include a non-stress 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, pre-eclampsia, or autoimmune diseases.
  • A history of a stillbirth or pre-eclampsia.
  • A history of Rh incompatibility.
  • A history of early labour, 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 labour. Low BPP test scores may help predict the need for a caesarean section or whether a baby will need specialty care after delivery.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC	Last Updated: September 5, 2006
Medical Review:	Tom Bailey, MD - Family Medicine Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
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