A
biophysical profile is a
prenatal test done to assess the health of the
fetus and is typically only done if there is some doubt as a part of a decision making process. Typically it is done as part of an overall and ongoing assessment to decide if the labor should be induced in
mothers whose
health may be at
risk if the
pregnancy continues or
fetuses whose
placenta may become inadequate to sustain life prematurely or in pregnancies where other stressors put the fetus at risk. The
risk benefit ratio of induction of premature labor is measured more accurately when the condition of the pregnancy and fetus are more accurately known.
The test is often done repeatedly as the pregnancy progresses, along with other tests and assessment. It poses no risk to the mother or fetus beyond the speculative risk of
ultrasound.
The test consists of a
non-stress test, which simply matches changes in the fetus’s heart rate with
fetal movement. The heart rate should change in predicable ways with normal fetal movement. If it doesn’t it is a sign of fetal stress. Then an ultrasound of the
uterus is done and the infant’s movements, breathing and muscle tone are assessed. The amount of
amniotic fluid is also measured. Each of the 5 components are assigned a point value of 0 – 2 allowing a total of 0 – 10 points in the final score. 8 – 10 is normal. 6 is borderline. Less than 6 is cause for concern.