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
