OBSTETRIC SCAN FOR BIOPHYSICAL PROFILE (BPP)

Obstetric Scan for Biophysical Profile (BPP) Overview

An Obstetric Scan for Biophysical Profile (BPP) is an ultrasound examination conducted to determine the condition of the foetus in a pregnant woman’s third trimester. This assessment gives expectant mothers and health caregivers important information about the foetus's physical state and the behavioural responses to stimuli. To facilitate the scan, the patients should be dressed in loose-fitting clothing and should also come with a full bladder as this increases the ease of obtaining better images. 

What is an Obstetric Scan for Biophysical Profile (BPP)? 

A Biophysical Profile, or BPP scan, refers to an ultra-sound examination carried out without any surgical procedures to assess foetal well-being by evaluating five specific criteria: 

• Tone of fetes (flexed posture) 
• Movement of foetus’s breathing 
• Amnion (foetus's limb movement) 
• Intrauterine fluid 
• Results from NST test (foetal heart rate response to movement) 

Types of Obstetric Scans for Biophysical Profile (BPP) 

• Basic BPP: The basic scan includes checking the five parameters previously mentioned. 
• Extended BPP: This includes additional examinations such as foetal echocardiography (examination of foetal heart). 

List of Parameters Considered During the Obstetric Scan for Biophysical Profile (BPP)

The sonographer will investigate the following points during the scan:  

• Foetal tone and posture  
• Depth and frequency of foetal breathing movements  
• Types and amount of limb movements during foetal activity  
• Amniotic fluid volume, including amount and distribution.  
• Results of non-stress test (NST) with foetal heart activity (FHA) movements. 

Reasons for Taking an Obstetric Scan for Biophysical Profile (BPP)

This scan is usually ordered to:  

• Evaluate foetal condition in complicated pregnancies.  
• Assess foetal weight and stage of foetal development.  
• Assess any foetal problems or complications.  
• Monitor management for foetal growth restriction and/or placental insufficiency. 

When and Who Needs to Take an Obstetric Scan for Biophysical Profile (BPP)? 

Pregnant women who have high risk factors are suggest undertaking this scan along with: 

• Those with hypertension, gestational diabetes, or multifetal gestations. 
• Any complications posed in past pregnancies. 
• Pregnancy with foetal growth restriction or insufficiency of the placental. 
• Women an extended period past expected date of delivery, specifically 40 weeks of gestation or longer. 

Benefits of Taking the Obstetric Scan for Biophysical Profile (BPP)

The scan has various advantages that include:  

• Assessment of foetal well being, growth and development.  
• Evaluation of foetal complications or issues, if any.  
• Offers peace of mind to pregnant women and the physicians. 

Illnesses Diagnosed with Obstetric Scan for Biophysical Profile (BPP)

The scan assists in determining the presence of the following conditions:  

• Foetal growth restriction due to placental insufficiency.  
• Foetal chromosomal defects.  
• Congenital anomalies – heart and limb defects. 

Preparing for the Obstetric Scan for Biophysical Profile (BPP)

What should be done in order to prepare for the scan: 

• Wear your clothing relaxed 
• Arrive with a filled bladder 
• Remember to take any medical history or any ultrasound scans you may have 

Pre-requisites 

While there aren’t detailed pre-requisites for the BPP scan, it is a good idea to: 

• Speak to your healthcare professional about existing health problems or issues that might cause worry. 
• Adhere to any guidelines given to you by your healthcare provider. 

Best Timing Obstetric Scan Biophysical Profile (BPP) Has to Be Done  

As is the case with most scans, the BPP scan is best conducted between 28 and 40 weeks gestation. It can be done earlier or later depending on the individual case.  

Eligibility  

The scan BPP is usually advised for all women during pregnancy, but it is especially useful for those mothers that have a higher chance of complications.  

Procedure for Taking an Obstetric Scan for Biophysical Profile (BPP)  

The duration of time taken to perform the scan is between 30 - 60 minutes. The procedure consists of:  

1. Step 1: Preparation – You will be asked to lie on the exam table with you abdomen exposed.  
2. Step 2: Apply ultrasound gel – Gel is then applied to the abdomen for imaging purposes.  
3. Step 3: Carry out ultrasound – The sonographer uses the transducer to get images of the foetus and assess the five parameters of BPP. 
4. Non-Stress Test (NST): The sonographer needs to do NST to evaluate fetal heart rate’s response to movement. 
5. Review and discussion: The sonographer will review the images together with you and discuss findings or recommendations, if any. 

Caution Before Taking the Test 

Remember to: 

• Inform your doctors of your medical history or any other issues you might have 
• Adhere to any additional directions your doctor may have issued 
• Present with a distended bladder