Ultrasound Biophysical Profile: Uses, Preparation & Procedure

What Is Ultrasound Biophysical Profile?

Ultrasound biophysical profile also known as BPP test or simply Biophysical profile is a multiparametric screening test to assess and evaluate the fetal well-being and check for uteroplacental insufficiency. It is usually performed after 32 weeks of gestation in the third trimester of pregnancy. Multiple BPP scans may be required in case of high-risk pregnancy or if previous ultrasound scans are abnormal.

There are 5 components which are evaluated in BPP test:

Gross body movement of fetus
Fetal breathing movement
Muscle tone of fetus
Amniotic fluid volume
NST (non-stress test).

Each parameter is given a minimum score of 0 and a maximum score of 2, and the maximum total score is 10. Fetal acidemia is declared when the total score is 4 or <4.

However, a modified BPP has only two components including NST and amniotic fluid index.

What Are the Uses of Ultrasound BPP Scan in Pregnancy?

Your obstetrician may order a BPP test for you in the following cases:

High risk pregnancy
Post-dated pregnancy
Decreased daily fetal movement count
Previous abnormal scans in the current pregnancy
Multifetal pregnancy such as twins or triplets
Maternal diabetes mellitus
Bad obstetric history
Pre-eclampsia
Chronic maternal illness such as bleeding disorders or chronic kidney disease.
IUGR (Intrauterine growth restriction)
Increased maternal age >35 years
Maternal obesity
RH negative pregnancy
Oligohydramnios
Umbilical cord entanglement around neck of baby etc.

How Do I Prepare for Ultrasound BPP?

Follow these simple steps if you are going for biophysical profile test:

Take an appointment- Fix an appointment in a diagnostic center having the facility of Ultrasound BPP.
Clothing- Dress yourself in loose and comfortable outfits so that your body parts which need to be scanned can be easily assessed.
Food and medications- You can take your usual food and supplements unless otherwise specified by your healthcare professional. Fasting is not required in USG BPP scan.
You may be asked to drink plenty of water to make your bladder full just before the scan begins.
Smoking/Tobacco- Avoid smoking or tobacco chewing before the test as nicotine in these substances may case vasoconstriction which may alter the test results.
Reports- Carry your relevant medical and lab reports along with prescription of your obstetrician with stamp while going for USG BPP scan. These may aid in better evaluation of your condition.
Hygiene- Maintain hygiene and do not apply oils or creams over the area which need to be evaluated.
Take a company- Get accompanied by a family member or a friend to have emotional and physical support.

What Is the Procedure of Biophysical Profile Test in Pregnancy?

The procedure for Biophysical profile may involve the following steps:

Before the scan begins you need to remove ornaments and clothes from the body to expose the Abdomino-pelvic region which is being examined.
You will be then asked to lie on the examination table.
Your Radiologist/Obstetrician will then apply gel/lubricant over the Abdomino-pelvic area for the smooth gliding of probe over it.
Then a transducer/probe will be moved over the skin which sends high frequency sound waves to the body parts. These sound waves are reflected back and are recorded by the ultrasound machine and converted into images or graphs. These images will be interpreted by your sonographer to assess your condition.
Along with ultrasound monitoring NST test is also performed. In non-stress test, electrical activity of fetal heart is also monitored to check for accelerations in response to fetal movements as perceived by the mother. NST usually takes 20 minutes, but it may last longer depending upon the fetal conditions.
At the end of scan, tissue paper will be provided to clean the gel/lubricant from the body surface.
You will be allowed to leave once the scan is over.

What Happens After an Ultrasound BPP Scan?

Ultrasound biophysical profile (BPP) usually takes about 30-45 minutes. However, it may last longer in case of multifetal pregnancy or if there are any associated co-morbid conditions.
You will be allowed to leave soon after the scan.
After the procedure got over, your Sonographer will analyze the result and make a report of your existing conditions.
You will get the reports on the same day.
These reports will be evaluated by your Obstetrician -
- To rule out any fetal complications such as chronic fetal asphyxia.
- To identify any abnormality and make a proper management plan for your current pregnancy.
Ultrasound BPP is a non-invasive, painless and safe procedure with no risks/side effects to the fetus or mother.

Ultrasound Biophysical Profile (BPP) Price in Delhi?

Ultrasound BPP Cost generally vary with city and location. Various diagnostic and imaging centers charges differently according to the quality of machines they provide and the offers currently availing in them.

Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging center (GDIC) is now offering 50% discount on all types of diagnostic and monitoring scans in Pregnancy including Ultrasound biophysical profile, fetal well-being ultrasound, TVS ultrasound, Obstetrical USG etc.

Charges of Ultrasonography BPP scan and fetal well-being scan in Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging center (GDIC) Delhi are as following-

For more details, click here!

Which Diagnostic Center Is Best for Ultrasound BPP Scan in North-East Delhi?

Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging center (GDIC) is the best diagnostic center for ultrasound biophysical profile (BPP) scan in Rohini, North-Delhi.

Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging center is now considered one of the most popular and affordable Diagnostic centers in Delhi. We provide high standard quality services to our patients. Genuine reporting and Patient satisfaction are our top priority. We offer seamless integration between diagnosis and treatment planning.

We are also having the facility of different types of Pregnancy ultrasound scans including:

Why Choose Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Center for Ultrasound Biophysical Profile?

Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Center is a NABH and NABL accredited top diagnostic center situated in ROHINI and various other locations of Delhi. It is equipped with modern, highly expensive machines with latest cutting-edge technologies and highly skilled Radiologists and Pathologists.

Currently, we are offering 50% discount on all types of ultrasound tests.

We are open 24x7 and 365 days. You can also avail free Consultation with our Senior Radiologist, Dr. Ravin Sharma regarding any imaging and scanning test.

We also offer facilities of online reporting, free home blood sample collection and free Ambulance services in Delhi, NCR. We are also empanelled with various departments and organizations. So, you can get the services at panel rate too.

For more details visit your nearest Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging center (GDIC) today or Call us now!

Hurry! Grab the best deals now!

To avail of free online consultation with Radiologist. Click here!

To know more about our services. Click here!

FAQs Related to USG Biophysical profile (BPP):

What are the other names for ultrasound BPP?

Ultrasound BPP is known by various names such as:

Biophysical ultrasonography
USG BPP
Biophysical profile monitoring
Biophysical ultrasound.

Which parameters are measured in USG BPP scan?

In biophysical profile, five components are evaluated including:

NST (non-stress test)
Gross body movement of fetus
Fetal breathing movement
Muscle tone of fetus
Amniotic fluid volume.
NST (non-stress test).

Each parameter is given a minimum score of 0 and a maximum score of 2, and the maximum total score is 10. Fetal acidemia is considered when the total score is 4 or <4.

However, a modified BPP has only two components that includes NST and amniotic fluid index.

Is fasting required for ultrasound BPP?

Fasting is not required for USG BPP. You can take your usual meals and medications before undergoing USG BPP.

Can I drink water before BPP scan in pregnancy?

Yes, you can drink water before this scan. Infact, you need to drink plenty of water to make your bladder full just before the scan begins.

Is USG biophysical profile painful?

Ultrasound BPP is a painless, rapid, non-invasive and safe technique that is used for monitoring pregnancy and indicated in case of decreased fetal movement, high risk pregnancy or post-dated pregnancy.

It also helps in detection of IUGR, oligohydramnios or umbilical cord entanglement.

What are the side effects of BPP scan in pregnancy?

Ultrasound BPP scan is a safe procedure with no side effects as it utilizes sound waves and a computer to provide details about fetal well-being and check for uteroplacental insufficiency. It doesn’t utilize ionizing radiations and thus safe for the mother and fetus.

Advantages of BPP scan in pregnancy?

There are several advantages of Ultrasonography/USG BPP scan in pregnancy such as:

Rapid technique.
Non-invasive and painless.
Cheap and affordable
Doesn’t utilize ionizing radiations.
No need for intravenous/oral contrast agents which are usually used in the other imaging tools.
Identifies fetal conditions like Fetal distress, IUGR or decreased fetal movement count.
Help to evaluate maternal conditions such as oligohydramnios.

How much time it takes during BPP scan in pregnancy?

Ultrasound BPP scan usually takes about 30-45 minutes for detailed evaluation. However, it may last longer in case of multifetal pregnancy or if there are any associated co-morbid conditions.