A biophysical profile is a test done during pregnancy to check on the health of the baby.
This test may be done with or without a nonstress test. A nonstress test tracks the baby’s movements while the ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the baby. The profile looks at a number of factors and provides a score that can give you valuable insight into your baby’s overall well-being, especially if you have a high-risk pregnancy.
At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center’s Maternal Fetal Medicine program, we can help you make sense of the results of a biophysical profile and guide you in decisions regarding your pregnancy care.
Why is a biophysical profile test done?
You might schedule a biophysical profile test because there are some concerns about the baby’s health. It’s performed during the third trimester.
- Reasons a biophysical profile test is done:
- Your pregnancy has gone two weeks past your due date
- Your baby is moving less than usual
- Your baby is measuring small
- You're carrying multiple babies
- You have an underlying medical condition, such as type 1 diabetes or high blood pressure
- You have low amniotic fluid
- You've had a stillborn baby or pregnancy complications in the past
Don’t be overly concerned, as your doctor may recommend the test even if no problems are suspected. Your doctor may, alternatively, perform a nonstress test.
A biophysical profile evaluates four different areas:
- Body movement – The ultrasound will determine how much the baby moves, including fine motor skills.
- Muscle tone – Any strength movements, such as opening of hands and mouth, extension of limbs or rotation of the trunk of the body, can be recorded using ultrasound.
- Breathing – The ultrasound will make sure your baby has continuous, rhythmic breaths.
- Amniotic fluid – The volume of fluid is assessed during the test.
Once both tests are done, all the components are scored (out of a possible 10 points) and health care recommendations are provided for each score.
Risks of a biophysical profile
This test poses no risk to you or your baby.
What happens during a biophysical profile?
During the ultrasound, a gel will be put on your belly and a handheld wand will be pressed against your belly. Images of the baby will then appear on the screen next to you and we’ll begin to assess the four components of the test.
Results of a biophysical profile
Results of the test should be available immediately.
We’ll give you a score, called Manning’s score, and discuss recommendations based on that number. The maximum score is 10.
How is a biophysical score calculated?
Each of the four components of the test is given a score of 2 if it’s met. Here’s what must happen during the test to receive a full score:
- Movement – At least three separate body movements are observed over 30 minutes.
- Muscle tone – One or more muscle activity — limb extension or flexing, mouth opening, making a fist — is seen during a 30-minute observation.
- Breathing – The baby should have one episode of continuous breathing that lasts for 30 seconds during the test.
- Amniotic fluid – The fluid must measure at least 1 centimeter across and 2 centimeters vertically.
For each of these that is observed during the test, 2 points are added to the overall score.
What does the biophysical scoring mean?
Any score less than 8 means that your provider will need to do more testing of the baby.
Our Services
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Cell-free DNA test A simple blood test, this screens for genetic conditions, such as Down syndrome.
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Fetal echocardiogram A special ultrasound of your baby’s heart, this tool allows specialists to diagnose certain heart defects.
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Fetal kick counts Doing this exercise can provide a simple way to check on the baby during the later months of pregnancy.
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Group B Strep test This is a swab test to check for a bacteria strep infection during the later weeks of pregnancy.
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Nuchal translucency This ultrasound measures the collection of fluid under the baby’s skin at the back of the neck.
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Quad screening This blood test screens for open neural tube defects and other possible problems.