GotoMyDoc - Pregnancy - Checking Baby's Well Being

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Checking your baby's well being

Biophysical Profile

The Biophysical profile (BPP) is an ultrasound examination, a non-invasive test that allows the obstetrician to visualize the fetus, that specifically looks at several dimensions of fetal well being and measures them against “healthy” standards.

These dimensions, or variables, include:

Fetal Breathing Movements

Gross Body Movements

Fetal Tone

Fetal Heart Rate

Amniotic Fluid Volume

A normal biophysical profile can be reassuring that the fetus is not stressed at the time of the exam. Sometimes even a normal test may be repeated if the initial Non-Stress Test was non-reactive. If the biophysical profile is abnormal, it is an indication that there are stressors on the baby that need further evaluation.