What Is a Biophysical Profile?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsPurpose of TestLimitationsRisks and ComplicationsBefore the TestDuring the TestAfter the TestInterpreting the ResultsA Word From Verywell

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Purpose of Test

Limitations

Risks and Complications

Before the Test

During the Test

After the Test

Interpreting the Results

A Word From Verywell

If your healthcare provider recommends one, know that BPP testing is considered safe and it’s non-invasive. It utilizes anon-stress testto evaluatefetal heartbeatand ultrasound technology to view the amniotic fluid, the fetus’s movements, muscle tone, and breathing patterns. Each of these areas is given a score ranging from zero to two, with a possible combined score of 10 points. The average duration of a BPP test may last from 30 minutes to over an hour.

Verywell / Cindy Chung

Some of the reasons your healthcare provider may choose to use this technology include:

Please note: There are other illnesses and health conditions that may require a BPP, but these are the most common.

However, the false-positive rates are considered low with this method of testing.

Results of a BPP, even if accurate, may not be able to predict or change the outcome of a pregnancy.

BPP requires relatively little preparation, so you may have your test on the same day it’s ordered or on a different day. Before the test, the healthcare provider will ask you about your health history—be sure to note any health conditions you’ve been diagnosed with.

Your healthcare provider will let you know if there are specific instructions you need to follow before having your BPP.

Timing

If you’re having a full BPP, the test may last between 30 minutes to just over an hour. If you are having a modified BPD, the procedure may take as little as 20 minutes. In many cases, you may be able to find out the results of the test right after it’s finished.

Location

Testing may be done in a hospital, clinic, or healthcare provider’s office. Your obstetrician might perform the test themselves, or another healthcare practitioner, like an ultrasound technician or radiologist, may do it.

What to Wear

There’s no set rule as to the type of clothing you need to wear for the test. You might be more comfortable in loose-fitted clothing that allows you to lie down and gives the healthcare provider access to your abdomen. In some situations, you may be asked to put on a gown.

Food and Drink

Generally, you can continue with your regular food and drink routine, but your healthcare provider may give you specific instructions. For example, you may be asked to drink liquids so that your bladder is full during the test. The particular instructions may vary, depending on your overall health and why you are having the test.

Other Considerations

When you show up for the test, bring your insurance card and any paperwork you’ve been asked to fill out.

Since BPP is a non-invasive test, you’re not required to have someone else drive you to and from the appointment, but you may feel more at ease having your spouse, partner, friend, or family member with you.

The test will involve two components—the non-stress test portion and an ultrasound. Throughout the test, you’ll lie on a padded table with your belly exposed. Be sure to let your healthcare provider know if you’re uncomfortable, so they can place you in a position that’s more comfortable.

Throughout the Test

Once the test is finished, your healthcare provider will wipe the gel off your abdomen and give you time to get dressed. You may or may not receive the results the same day. Typically, you’ll be allowed to go home, and your healthcare provider will notify you if you need to make arrangements for additional testing or appointments.

When the scores are combined, results indicate the following:

In most cases, the results will be ready right after the test is completed. Whether it’s a routine exam or additional testing, your healthcare provider will provide you with appropriate follow-up instructions.

For many people, the BPP testing process, from the waiting room to the test results, can provoke anxiety. To ease the process a bit, make sure you’re working with a healthcare provider with whom you feel you can openly communicate your worries and ask any pressing questions you may have. Prenatal care can help prevent or reduce the effects of complications.

What Is a Biophysical Profile?

4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG).Special Tests for Monitoring Fetal Health.University of Michigan School of Medicine.Biophysical Profile.Oyelese Y, Vintzileos AM.The uses and limitations of the fetal biophysical profile. Clin Perinatol. 2011;38(1):47-64, v-vi. doi:10.1016/j.clp.2010.12.008Michigan Medicine.Biophysical Profile (BPP).Additional ReadingAmerican Pregnancy Association.Biophysical Profile.The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG).Special Tests for Monitoring Fetal Health.University of Michigan School of Medicine.Biophysical Profile.Wickström R. Effects of Nicotine During Pregnancy: Human and Experimental Evidence.Current Neuropharmacology.2007 Sep; 5(3): 213–222. doi:10.2174/157015907781695955

4 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG).Special Tests for Monitoring Fetal Health.University of Michigan School of Medicine.Biophysical Profile.Oyelese Y, Vintzileos AM.The uses and limitations of the fetal biophysical profile. Clin Perinatol. 2011;38(1):47-64, v-vi. doi:10.1016/j.clp.2010.12.008Michigan Medicine.Biophysical Profile (BPP).Additional ReadingAmerican Pregnancy Association.Biophysical Profile.The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG).Special Tests for Monitoring Fetal Health.University of Michigan School of Medicine.Biophysical Profile.Wickström R. Effects of Nicotine During Pregnancy: Human and Experimental Evidence.Current Neuropharmacology.2007 Sep; 5(3): 213–222. doi:10.2174/157015907781695955

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG).Special Tests for Monitoring Fetal Health.University of Michigan School of Medicine.Biophysical Profile.Oyelese Y, Vintzileos AM.The uses and limitations of the fetal biophysical profile. Clin Perinatol. 2011;38(1):47-64, v-vi. doi:10.1016/j.clp.2010.12.008Michigan Medicine.Biophysical Profile (BPP).

The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG).Special Tests for Monitoring Fetal Health.

University of Michigan School of Medicine.Biophysical Profile.

Oyelese Y, Vintzileos AM.The uses and limitations of the fetal biophysical profile. Clin Perinatol. 2011;38(1):47-64, v-vi. doi:10.1016/j.clp.2010.12.008

Michigan Medicine.Biophysical Profile (BPP).

American Pregnancy Association.Biophysical Profile.The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG).Special Tests for Monitoring Fetal Health.University of Michigan School of Medicine.Biophysical Profile.Wickström R. Effects of Nicotine During Pregnancy: Human and Experimental Evidence.Current Neuropharmacology.2007 Sep; 5(3): 213–222. doi:10.2174/157015907781695955

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