Biophysical Profile (BPP)

• A biophysical profile includes a nonstress test with electronic fetal heart monitoring and a fetal ultrasound. For more information, see the topics Reference Electronic Fetal Heart Monitoring and Reference Fetal Ultrasound.
• More tests, such as a contraction stress test, may be recommended if your results are not normal. For more information, see the topic Reference Contraction Stress Test.
• If there is a chance that you or your baby may have problems during your pregnancy, you may have a biophysical profile test every week or twice a week during the last 12 weeks of your pregnancy. Your chances of having problems may be higher if you have:
  • Certain medical conditions, such as Reference high blood pressure Opens New Window, kidney disease, Reference diabetes Opens New Window, Reference preeclampsia Opens New Window, or Reference autoimmune diseases Opens New Window.
  • A history of a stillbirth or preeclampsia.
  • A history of Reference Rh incompatibility Opens New Window.
  • A history of early labor, Reference premature rupture of membranes (PROM) Opens New Window, or Reference placenta Opens New Window problems.
  • A baby who seems small for the length of the pregnancy or is not growing (intrauterine growth retardation or restriction).
• A biophysical profile may be done after an injury, such as a car crash or fall. Your doctor may recommend more BPP tests during the rest of your pregnancy.

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