The biophysical profile is combines existing screening tests into a systematic and comprehensive package designed to evaluate the health of the fetus in the later stages of pregnancy.
The biophysical profile can determine fetal well-being while it is still in the uterus and is used by your doctor to determine whether fetal stress indicates an impending problem or the need for induced delivery.
The test measures five items that are of interest to your doctor:
The first four items are measured using ultrasound. The fifth item, the reactive heart rate, uses an electronic fetal monitor and measures the increase in your baby's heart rate as it moves. Your doctor will use experience to evaluate each of the items and assign it a score of 0 (if the signs are abnormal) to 2 (if the results are normal). A higher score is preferred.
No results found. Click here for amazon.com
There are many reasons why your doctor may want to perform a biophysical profile. The test is particularly useful in evaluating an infant with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). High risk pregnancies including diabetic mothers also benefit from the test. If your doctor is concerned that there is too little fetal movement or that the pregnancy is overdue a biophysical profile will be performed to ensure the well-being of the baby.
There are few, if any, known risks associated with this test.
The test is most frequently performed any time after week thirty four to delivery of the baby. It is frequently used if the baby is overdue.
No results found. Click here for amazon.com
Your doctor will score each of the five items on the test from 0 through 2. A score of 0 indicates some kind of abnormality with the fetus. A score of 2 suggests that everything is normal, with 1 being a sort of middle response. The total scores are added for a maximum of 10. Evaluation of the scores is subjective and the results are somewhat dependent on the skill of the person performing the test. Any score from 8 - 10 would indicate a healthy baby with no signs of distress. Results from 4 - 8 would suggest a middle response with further monitoring advised. A score lower than 4 would probably indicate the need for an induced delivery.
If your baby receives a low score a problem is indicated and your doctor will probably recommend an immediate delivery especially if your pregnancy is approaching term. If a middle score is achieved it is likely that the test will be repeated the following day depending on the particular circumstances of your pregnancy and the recommendation of your doctor. A high score is reassuring and your doctor will only need to repeat the test once or twice each week to monitor the condition of your baby until it is delivered.
No results found. Click here for amazon.com
