HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Biophysical Profile (BPP)
Why It Is Done
A biophysical profile (BPP) test is done to:
- Learn about and keep track of your baby's health. Special ultrasound methods are used to keep track of movement, increases in heart rate with movement (nonstress test), muscle tone, breathing rate, and the amount of amniotic fluid (Reference amniotic fluid index Opens New Window) surrounding your baby. If these five areas are within a normal range, your baby is considered to be in good health.
- Check on your
baby's health if you have:
- Reference Hyperthyroidism Opens New Window.
- Bleeding problems.
- Reference Lupus Opens New Window.
- Chronic kidney disease.
- Reference Type 1 diabetes Opens New Window or Reference gestational diabetes Opens New Window.
- Reference High blood pressure (hypertension) Opens New Window.
- Reference Preeclampsia Opens New Window.
- A small amount of amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios) or too much amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios).
- A multiple pregnancy (such as twins or triplets).
- A pregnancy that has gone past your due date, between 40 and 42 weeks.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference June 18, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Reference William Gilbert, MD - Maternal and Fetal Medicine |
|
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