As you enter the final stages of pregnancy, staying aware of your baby’s development becomes all the more important. A prenatal biophysical profile (BPP) offers a detailed look at your baby’s health, using ultrasounds to ensure your little one is thriving and prepared for birth. BPPs evaluate several factors that contribute to a smooth and healthy delivery, offering peace of mind as you prepare to meet your baby.
Learn how biophysical profiles work, what they assess, and how they support a healthy pregnancy.
What Is a Prenatal Biophysical Profile?
A prenatal biophysical profile is an ultrasound-based test typically recommended after 32 weeks of pregnancy to assess your baby’s overall health. It’s often suggested for high-risk pregnancies or if there are concerns from previous tests. By evaluating a range of health factors, the BPP helps determine whether any additional monitoring or intervention is necessary.
BPPs focus on four key areas:
Body Movement: Observes the baby’s ability to kick, stretch, and perform intentional movements, which indicate healthy motor function
Muscle Tone: Assesses whether the baby can flex and extend their limbs or make smaller movements like opening and closing their hands, showing normal muscular and nervous system development
Breathing Patterns: Tracks rhythmic breathing movements, a sign that the baby’s lungs and central nervous system are developing as expected
Amniotic Fluid: Measures the level of fluid surrounding the baby to ensure a protective and nurturing environment, which also reflects how well the placenta is supporting the pregnancy
In some instances, if the results from these areas aren’t conclusive or one of the criteria isn’t met, a non-stress test (NST) may be performed. The NST monitors the baby’s heart rate in response to movement, providing additional reassurance about their well-being.
Understanding the Biophysical Profile Scoring System
The biophysical profile is often scored out of a total of 8 points, with 2 points given for each of the four key areas assessed: fetal movements, muscle tone, breathing patterns, and amniotic fluid volume. Each criterion is either normal (2 points) or abnormal (0 points), and the results help determine the next steps in managing the pregnancy.
8 Points: Indicates that the baby is healthy and not under stress
6 Points: Indicates further monitoring or repeat testing may be necessary
4 Points or Less: Indicates potential fetal distress and may prompt immediate medical intervention
If a non-stress test is included, the total score is out of 10, with additional points reflecting the baby’s heart rate response.
Why Is a Biophysical Profile Important?
The biophysical profile provides a comprehensive picture of your baby’s health by assessing both physical movements and environmental conditions. This combination helps ensure that development is on track and flags any potential concerns early on.
Here’s a closer look at what’s assessed:
Fetal body movement
The biophysical profile tracks the baby’s movements, such as kicks and arm or leg extensions. Fetal movements are a reflection of the baby’s overall activity levels and are an important aspect of their development. A decrease in fetal movements may be an early indicator of fetal distress, making this part of the BPP critical for identifying any potential issues before they become serious.
During a BPP, the baby should exhibit at least three movements within a 30-minute window. The presence of these movements contributes to the overall score and helps indicate a positive outcome.
Fetal muscle tone
Assessing fetal muscle tone involves looking at the baby’s ability to flex and extend their limbs or spine. Good muscle tone, where the baby can move their arms, legs, or head in response to stimuli, suggests that the baby’s nervous system is functioning properly. The ability to flex and extend limbs shows that the baby is developing normally and is not experiencing any distress in the womb.
For this portion of the test, the baby must exhibit at least one instance of active extension and return to flexion, such as curling and uncurling a fist. Healthy muscle tone adds to the score of the biophysical profile and contributes to the overall assessment of fetal well-being.
Fetal breathing patterns
During the third trimester, the baby practices breathing by moving their diaphragm in preparation for life outside the womb. While the baby isn’t breathing air yet, these movements are essential for lung development. The presence of regular fetal breathing movements during a biophysical profile suggests that the baby’s central nervous system is functioning properly, as these movements are controlled by the brain.
A normal finding would be rhythmic movements lasting at least 30 seconds within a 30-minute period. If fetal breathing movements are absent or abnormal, it may indicate potential issues, and further testing or intervention may be recommended.
Amniotic fluid levels
Amniotic fluid plays a crucial role in protecting the baby and allowing for healthy development. It acts as a cushion that absorbs shocks and impacts while providing the baby with room to move and grow. During a biophysical profile, a sonographer measures the amount of amniotic fluid present in the uterus. This is referred to as the amniotic fluid index (AFI) and is an important indicator of fetal health.
A normal amniotic fluid volume suggests that the baby’s kidneys are functioning well and that there are no signs of dehydration or other potential complications. Normal ranges for amniotic fluid may vary slightly between facilities, but they generally fall between 5 and 25 cm, with a pocket fluid minimum of at least 2 cm by 2 cm. Low amniotic fluid, also known as oligohydramnios, may indicate that there is an issue with the baby’s kidneys, the placenta, or other factors that could affect the pregnancy.
When Is a Biophysical Profile Recommended?
A biophysical profile is not always part of routine prenatal care but may be recommended in certain situations. Your healthcare provider may suggest a BPP if you have a high-risk pregnancy or if there are concerns about your baby’s health.
Common reasons for recommending a BPP include:
Reduced Fetal Movements: If you notice a decrease in your baby’s activity levels, a BPP can help determine whether there is a cause for concern.
High-Risk Pregnancies: If you have conditions such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or hypertension, a BPP may be performed to ensure that the baby is not experiencing any complications.
Post-Term Pregnancy: If your pregnancy extends beyond 40 weeks, a BPP may be recommended to monitor the baby’s well-being and ensure that they are not under stress.
Placental Concerns: If there are indications that the placenta may not be functioning properly, such as restricted growth, a BPP can assess whether the baby is receiving enough oxygen and nutrients.
Biophysical Profile Ultrasounds for New Orleans Moms
At Nola Diagnostic Ultrasound, our biophysical profile ultrasounds are designed to provide reassurance during the third trimester by assessing your baby’s overall well-being. This non-invasive test evaluates fetal breathing, position/movements, and amniotic fluid levels, providing a comprehensive score out of 8.
For those expecting twins, we also offer an additional monitoring option to ensure both babies are thoroughly checked.
If your prenatal care provider recommends you undergo a BPP, we’re here to help. Schedule your pregnancy ultrasound in Metairie today and gain the peace of mind you deserve as you approach the final stages of pregnancy.
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