Also known as BPP, this is a non-invasive procedure that evaluates baby's well being with the aid of a nonstress test combined with an ultrasound. Again, this test is conducted in the later part of pregnancy to check on baby's well-being especially in situations when the mother has preexisting medical problems, in mothers who develop conditions in the course of the pregnancy or pregnancies that go beyond 40 weeks. The ultrasound is used to monitor body movements, breathing, amniotic fluid levels and muscle tone of the baby.

Who needs the test..

• Women with preexisting health conditions

• Women who develop medical conditions that make the pregnancy high risk.

• A nonreactive nonstress test result

• Baby who is less active than normal

• Too much or too little amniotic fluid

• Pregnancy that is overdue

• Loss of baby in the later part of a previous pregnancy

• Baby who seems too small or is not growing properly

Why the test..

• There is no specific timing for the test as it largely depends on the reason for testing and the reason varies.

• Basically the test indirectly checks through the five components to see if the baby is receiving sufficient oxygen. These components include nonstress, muscle tone, body movements, levels of amniotic fluid and breathing movements.


• A score of either 0 (abnormal) or 2(normal) is assigned to each component

• These scores are then added up: a total of 8 to 10 is considered normal, 6 is considered average and anything below 6 is considered abnormal.

• Depending on the score, the pregnancy stage and the severity of any medical complications, further testing may be advised.

• If baby is under duress or in danger, the mother may be induced or may undergo a C-section

The Procedure itself..

• The test consists of nonstress combined with a detailed ultrasound

• The whole test can last for upto an hour. It is advisable go for refreshments before going in for the test