What is Biophysical Profile
Biophysical profile is a non-invasive test that may be done during pregnancy to check that your developing baby (fetus) and your placenta are healthy. Your health care provider may recommend a biophysical profile if your pregnancy is at a higher risk for certain problems.
A biophysical profile is usually done during the last 3 months of pregnancy (third trimester).
A biophysical profile combines two tests to check the health of your baby. In one test, you will have a device strapped to your belly to measure your baby’s heart rate. The other test involves using sound waves and a computer (ultrasound) to create an image of your baby inside your womb (uterus). Together, these tests tell your health care provider about the overall health of your baby.
Tell a health care provider about:
- Any allergies you have.
- All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
- Any medical conditions you have.
- Any concerns you have about your pregnancy.
- Any symptoms such as abdominal pain or contractions, nausea or vomiting, vaginal bleeding, leaking of amniotic fluid, decreased fetal movements, fever or infection, increased swelling, headaches, or visual disturbances.
- How often you feel your baby move.
What are the risks?
There are no risks to you or your baby from a biophysical profile.
What happens before the procedure?
Ask your health care provider how to prepare.
- You may need to drink fluids so that you have a full bladder for your ultrasound.
- You may also need to eat before you arrive for the test. That makes your baby more active.
What happens during the procedure?
- You will lie on your back on an exam table.
- Your blood pressure may be monitored during the procedure.
- A belt will be placed around your belly. The belt has a sensor to measure your baby’s heart rate.
- You may have to wear another belt and sensor to measure any muscle movements (contractions) in your uterus. During the ultrasound, a health care provider or technician will gently roll a handheld device (transducer) over your belly. This device sends signals to a computer that creates images of your baby.
- Five
areas of your baby’s health and development will be checked during the
biophysical profile:
- Heart rate.
- Breathing.
- Movement.
- Active muscle movement (muscle tone).
- The amount of fluid in your uterus (amniotic fluid).
The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.
What happens after the procedure?
- Your health care provider will discuss your results with you. The results of a biophysical profile are scored in a range of 0 to 10. Each area that is evaluated is given a score of 0 or 2 points. If you get a score of 6 or less, you may need further testing, or your baby may need to be delivered early. A score of 8 to 10 with normal amniotic fluid levels is considered normal.
- Unless you need additional testing, you can go home right after the procedure and resume your normal activities.
Summary
- A biophysical profile is a non-invasive test that may be done during pregnancy to check that your developing baby (fetus) and your placenta are healthy.
- A biophysical profile combines two tests: A test to measure your baby’s heart rate and an ultrasound test to create an image of your baby in the womb.
- Tell your health care provider about any concerns you have about your pregnancy or any pregnancy-related symptoms.
- If you get a score of 6 or less, you may need further testing, or your baby may need to be delivered early. A score of 8 to 10 with normal amniotic fluid levels is considered normal.
