Biophysical Profile (BPP)

Fetal Biophysical Profile

How To Prepare

Usually a full bladder is needed for the test. If so, you will be asked to drink water or other liquids just before the test and to avoid urinating before or during the test.

If you smoke, you will be asked to stop smoking for 2 hours before the external monitoring test because smoking decreases your baby's activity.

Talk to your health professional about any concerns you have regarding the need for the test, its risks, how it will be done, or what the results may mean. To help you understand the importance of this test, fill out the medical test information formClick here to view a form.(What is a PDF document?).


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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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Topic Contents
 Test Overview
 Why It Is Done
Arrow PointerHow To Prepare
 How It Is Done
 How It Feels
 Risks
 Results
 What Affects the Test
 What To Think About
 Related Information
 References
 Credits