Biophysical Profile

A biophysical profile (BPP) test measures the health of your baby during the third trimester of pregnancy. The test combines an ultrasound evaluation with a non-stress test (NST), and is performed if there is a question about fetal health resulting from an examination, maternal/fetal symptoms or other risk factors.

The BPP measure your baby’s heart rate, muscle tone, movement, breathing and the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding your baby for 20-30 minutes.

The NST involves attaching one belt to your abdomen to measure fetal heart rate and another belt to measure contractions. If your baby does not move for a time during the test, it does not mean there is a problem; he or she may be sleeping. The ultrasound portion of the test is like any other obstetrical ultrasound performed during pregnancy.

What does the BPP look for?
Usually, five specific fetal attributes are studied and “scored” during the BPP:

Biophysical attribute Normal Abnormal
Breathing One breathing episode within 30 minutes No breathing episodes within 30 minutes
Movement Two or more movements within 30 minutes Less than two movements within 30 minutes
Muscle tone One or more episodes of active extension/flexion of limbs, etc. (i.e. opening and closing a hand) Slow extension/flexion of limbs, partially open fetal hand, etc
Heart rate Two or more episodes of reactive heart rate acceleration within 20 min One or more episodes of unreactive heart rate acceleration
Amniotic fluid One or more adequate pockets of fluid Either no pockets or inadequate pockets of fluid


The total score will help decide the overall health and well-being of your baby and help your doctor or midwife determine if your baby should be born sooner than planned.

Copyright 2010, Perinatal Center of Iowa. All Rights Reserved. / An affiliate of Mercy Medical Center–Des Moines / Notice of Privacy Practices
web design and development by Applied Art and Technology