A biophysical profile (BPP) is typically done in the third trimester to check on your baby's well-being, especially if your pregnancy is considered high-risk, if you're past your due date, or if there are concerns about reduced movement or the amniotic fluid level.

Here’s a closer look at why BPP tests are sometimes performed, when you might get one (or a similar test called a modified biophysical profile), and how to make sense of the results.

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Key Takeaways
  • A biophysical profile checks your baby’s well-being. This quick, noninvasive test uses ultrasound (and sometimes fetal heart rate monitoring) to evaluate movement, breathing, muscle tone, and amniotic fluid levels.
  • It’s often used for higher-risk pregnancies. Providers may recommend a BPP in the third trimester if there are concerns including reduced fetal movement, growth issues, you're overdue, or if you have conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
  • Results help guide next steps. Scores range from reassuring (8–10) to needing closer monitoring or even delivery (0–6), helping your provider decide whether it’s safest to continue the pregnancy or intervene.

What is a biophysical profile (BPP)?

The biophysical profile (BPP) is an assessment of your baby's well-being. It can be done on its own, or your health care practitioner may add fetal heart rate monitoring — called a nonstress test — for a more complete picture of your baby's condition. [1]

When all measurements come back normal, the test can be very reassuring for both you and your practitioner. In some cases, however, additional testing may be needed to get a clearer picture of your baby's condition. [2]

"I love them," says What to Expect Community member peccorino75. "I’m big and have anterior placenta, so tracking movement can be hard and it stresses me out so much to think I could miss a decrease in movement. They put me at ease."

Feeling a little overwhelmed with all these new terms and tests? You’re so not alone. The What to Expect app is like a wise, warm friend in your pocket — tracking your appointments, explaining what’s ahead, and helping you feel a little more in control, one step at a time.

Who is a biophysical profile for?

Your practitioner may order a BPP if they suspect that you or your baby may be at higher risk of complications. The test helps your care team assess whether the placenta and baby are healthy and it's safe to continue the pregnancy or if it's time to consider delivery.

BPPs are most often done in the third trimester, usually after 32 weeks, but they can be performed any time after 24 weeks. They’re typically used for moms who:

"I'm having them twice a week due to high amniotic fluid, and I enjoy the extra reassurance," says Community member mama2b5555.

"I'm doing them because of chronic hypertension and advanced maternal age," says Community mom reiandjett.

How is a biophysical profile (BPP) done?

A BPP uses ultrasound to look at four specific aspects of your baby's well-being over about 30 minutes:

  • Fetal breathing: Watching your baby's chest movements as she takes practice breaths
  • Fetal movement: Movements of the body or limbs
  • Fetal tone: Flexion and extension of an arm or leg
  • Volume of amniotic fluid: The amount of fluid surrounding your baby

The test may also include fetal heart rate monitoring.

"The BPP was super easy," says Community member lurojackson. "They zoomed in on heart movements, and we even got to see my baby practice breathing!"

What do BPP test results mean?

BPP results reflect several markers, including your baby’s heart rate, breathing (which can include hiccups), movement, muscle tone, and amniotic fluid levels.

Your sonographer will assign a BPP score of 0 points (abnormal) or 2 points (normal) points in each of the four categories listed above and then tally them up. Here’s what the scores mean:

  • 8 to 10 is reassuring and represents a normal, well oxygenated fetus. No intervention is needed, though ongoing testing may be recommended.
  • 4 to 6 may require a second BPP within 24 hours, additional monitoring, or — depending on how far along you are — possible delivery.
  • 0 to 2 typically leads to immediate delivery.

Keep in mind that even if the biophysical profile score is considered "normal," low amniotic fluid levels may require closer monitoring and, in some cases, delivery.

"I'm thankful for the extra monitoring, though it is exhausting balancing appointments with daily life," says Community mom bty23.

Are there risks of a biophysical profile?

No. BPPs are noninvasive and don't pose any risks to you or your baby.

That said, having the test can understandably make you feel worried or stressed. If you're feeling overwhelmed, chat with your practitioner. You can talk through your concerns together, which can help put your mind at ease. And remember, the test also gives you a chance to see your baby, which can ease anxiety.

"It's reassuring every time I go in and they tell me baby is healthy and we can keep her in there a little longer," says Community mom abadab.

What is the modified biophysical profile?

A modified biophysical profile is another prenatal test. It combines the nonstress test with an ultrasound to measure amniotic fluid levels.

While less detailed than a BPP, a modified biophysical profile can be just as useful. Low levels of amniotic fluid may indicate that the baby isn't producing enough urine, for example, and that can point to an issue with the placenta.

If your baby responds normally on the nonstress test and your amniotic fluid levels are adequate, everything is likely progressing well.

Being told you need a biophysical profile can feel worrying. Just remember that the test doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong. More importantly, the findings help your practitioner make the safest decisions for you and your baby — supporting the healthiest possible pregnancy and delivery.