FETAL WELLBEING /

FETAL WELLBEING / BIOPHYSICAL PROFILE

Monitoring the ongoing health of the baby with quality biophysical profile ultrasounds is essential to a good outcome

The BPP ultrasound scan is a common scan in pregnancy

The purpose of this scan is to assess fetal health looking at fetal movements, amniotic fluid (biophysical profile) and blood flow through the umbilical cord. Fetal presentation is also assessed during this scan – head down versus breech versus transverse.

An evaluation of fetal wellbeing may be indicated, but not limited, to cases where the mother has diabetes, high blood pressure, does not feel baby’s movement or the fetus is small. It is usually performed during the third trimester of pregnancy but it can also be performed earlier depending on the clinical concerns.

The exam is done placing the ultrasound probe on the maternal abdomen. It can take 30 minutes or less to observe the required fetal movements.