Biophysical profile

A biophysical profile (BPP) test measures the health of your baby (fetus) during pregnancy.

A BPP test includes a nonstress test with electronic fetal heart monitoring and a fetal ultrasound. The BPP measures your baby's heart rate, muscle tone, movement, breathing, and the amount of amniotic fluid around your baby.

A biophysical profile may be recommended if the results of a nonstress test are nonreactive. A nonreactive nonstress test means that the baby's heart rate did not change as expected when the baby moved. A biophysical profile may also be recommended for women who have high-risk pregnancies. The tests allow the doctor to find any possible problems as early as possible.

The results of the biophysical profile, ranging from 0 to 10, can help the doctor decide if the baby is healthy. The doctor may use the results of the BPP test to help decide when to deliver the baby or if a cesarean section is a safer way to deliver.