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McKesson Clinical Reference Systems: Women's Health Advisor 2002.2
Biophysical Profile
What is a biophysical profile?
A biophysical profile is a way to check the health of your
baby some time before birth. A nonstress test and
ultrasound are used to do the profile. The test results
produce a score of 0 to 10. This score helps your health
care provider know more about your baby's health.
When is it used?
If the result of a nonstress test of the baby is
nonreactive, a biophysical profile may be done. Nonreactive
means that the baby didn't move enough during the test or
the baby's heart rate did not change the way it should have
when the baby did move.
Health care providers usually recommend a biophysical
profile during the third trimester of high-risk pregnancies.
In some high-risk pregnancies a biophysical profile is done
once or twice a week. The goal of this testing is to detect
problems your baby may have as early as possible.
How do I prepare for a biophysical profile?
Your health care provider will discuss the procedure with
you and give you any special instructions.
What happens during the procedure?
A nonstress fetal heart rate test is usually performed
first. Then detailed ultrasound scanning is done.
The nonstress test uses an external fetal monitor to look at
how the baby's heart rate changes when the baby moves.
- The score for a stress test with a reactive (healthy)
result is 2.
- The score for a nonreactive test result is 0.
During the ultrasound exam four things are checked and
given a score of 0 or 2:
- the amount of amniotic fluid
- movements of the baby's body
- the baby's muscle tone
- breathing movements made by the baby.
The ultrasound exam may last as long as an hour.
What happens after the procedure?
From the results of the tests your health care provider will
calculate a score for the biophysical profile.
- A score of 8 or 10 is considered normal.
- A score of 6 is borderline.
- A score below 4 suggests there may be problems. Your
health care provider may recommend an early delivery of
the baby.
Your health care provider will discuss any necessary
treatment with you. Your provider may want to repeat the
biophysical profile or deliver the baby earlier than
planned.
What are the benefits of this procedure?
The biophysical profile:
- helps detect problems the unborn baby might have
- helps reduce the risk of death of the baby after 24 weeks
of pregnancy
- may prevent premature birth by delaying early delivery.
When should I call my health care provider?
Call your health care provider during office hours if you
have questions about the procedure or its result.
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