Biophysical profile

Overview
A biophysical profile is a prenatal ultrasound evaluation of fetal wellbeing, involving a scoring system.

Components

 * The biophysical profile (BPP) has 5 components: 4 ultrasound (US) assessments and a nonstress test (NST).


 * The US assessments are:
 * amniotic fluid volume,
 * fetal tone,
 * fetal activity, and
 * fetal breathing movements.


 * Each component is graded either 0 or 2 points, and then added up to yield a number between 0 and 10.


 * A BPP of 8 to 10 is generally considered reassuring.

Indication
A BPP normally is not performed before the second half of a pregnancy (fetal breathing movements do not occur in the first half.)