BIOPHYSICAL PROFILE AND NST

The fetal biophysical profile score (BPS or BPP) re-fers to the sonographic assessment of four discrete biophysical variables:Fetal movementFetal toneFetal breathingAmniotic fluid volumeResult of nonstress testingEach of these five parameters is given a score of 0 or 2 points. Presence of these biophysical variables implies absence of significant central nervous system hypoxemia/acidemia at the time of testing. By comparison, a compromised fetus typically exhibits loss of acceleration of fetal heart rate, decreased body movement and breathing, hypotonia and less acutely, decreased amniotic fluid volume. Sonographic detection of signs of fetal compromise can allow appropriate intervention that will ideally prevent adverse fetal squeal.