Biophysical Profile (BPP): What To Think About

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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.
  • A baby who 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.

Last updated:	June 28, 2008
Author:	Sandy Jocoy, RN
Reviewed By:	Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine, Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC