Biophysical Profile (BPP)

Fetal Biophysical Profile

Test Overview

A biophysical profile (BPP) test measures the health of your baby (fetus) during pregnancy. A BPP test may include a non-stress 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 may also include a Doppler ultrasound of the umbilical cord to assess the function of the cord and the placenta, particularly if your baby is smaller than expected.

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.

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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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