Biophysical profile (BPP)

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

A BPP test includes a fetal ultrasound and usually includes a nonstress test. The BPP measures your baby's heart rate, muscle tone, movement, breathing, and the amount of amniotic fluid around your baby. Some BPPs do not include all the measurements.

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 high-risk pregnancies. The tests allow the doctor to find any possible problems as early as possible.

The results of the biophysical profile can help the doctor know 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.