Biophysical Profile
A Biophysical Profile (BPP) is an ultrasound examination that is used to assess your baby’s health. Some women have medical conditions that would require weekly or twice weekly evaluation of their baby’s health, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and Preeclampsia. Other women may be healthy but their baby may have a condition that needs to be closely monitored, such as a baby that isn’t growing as expected, multiple gestations (twins, triplets) or a baby with a known abnormality.
These conditions can have detrimental effects on your baby and frequent evaluation is important for identifying those babies most at risk for a poor outcome.
A BPP can take any where from a few minutes up to 30 minutes. A passing score means your baby is considered to be in good health and requires that the baby have a passing score of four factors including adequate amniotic fluid, normal breathing rate, body movements, and normal muscle tone. This is a good test for reassurance of your baby’s condition for up to one week for most medical disorders (diabetes is an exception). Consistent weekly or twice weekly follow up is important for reassurance of your baby’s well-being.
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