Biophysical Profile

What is it? What information does the test provide?

✘ A noninvasive test that combines a nonstress
test with an ultrasound assessing the health of
the fetus and its environment through
biophysical responses to stimuli. 
✘ Reduces stillbirth & detects hypoxia by assessing
When is it performed? baby's heart rate, breathing, movements, muscle tone
which are associated w/various areas of the fetal brain.
Last trimester of pregnancy
Amniotic fluid levels correlate to fetal urine volume.

A scoring system of 5 Scoring System

components, each worth 2 points
comprises the exam. Part of the
How is it biophysical profile is an U/S that
Performed? assess the baby's movement &
tests the amniotic fluid amount.
The patient will on their back & a
technician will hold the ultrasound
wand against their belly. The
secondary part of the BPP is a
nonstress test that monitors the
baby's heartbeat.
Nursing Management
Body movements: 3 or more discrete
limb or trunk movements. Fetal tone:
1 or more instances of full extension
and flexion of a limb or trunk
Fetal breathing: 1 or more fetal
breathing movements of more than 30
seconds.
Amniotic fluid volume: 1 or more
pockets of fluid measuring 2 cm. NST:
2 points; abnormal NST =0 points
https://www.verywellhealth.com/biophysical-profile-4172545

✘ Provide patient education and support about procedure

✗ It is a painless non invasive procedure performed in the diagnostic imaging department
✗ It can take up to 40 to 70 minutes; but 30 minutes is allotted for testing
✗ NST may be completed prior to BPP