Biophysical Profile

Parameters

Finding

Points

fetal breathing movements

absent, or no episode of >= 30 seconds in a 30 minute observation period

0

at least 1 episode of fetal breathing movement of at least 30 second duration in a 30 minute observation period

2

gross body movements

< 3 episodes of body or limb movements in 30 minute observation period

0

at least 3 discrete body or limb movements in 30 minutes (episodes of active continuous movement considered a single movement)

2

fetal tone

either slow extension with return to partial flexion, or movement of limb in full extension, absent fetal movement

0

at least 1 episode of active extension of fetal limbs or trunk. Opening and closing of hand considered normal tone.

2

nonstress test

nonreactive (fewer than 2 episodes of acceleration of fetal heart rate or acceleration of > 15 beat per minute in 30 minutes)

0

reactive (at least 2 episodes of fetal heart rate acceleration of > 15 beats per minute and of at least 15 seconds duration associated with fetal movement within 30 minutes)

2

qualitative amniotic fluid volume

no amniotic fluid pocket > 2 cm or amniotic fluid index <= 5 cm

0

at least 1 pocket of amniotic fluid deeper than 2 cm, or an amniotic fluid index > 5 cm

2

Score

Risk of Perinatal Death

Repeat Testing

10

very low risk of perinatal death in infants who are anatomically normal

testing is repeated twice weekly until delivery

8

low risk of perinatal death

testing is repeated twice weekly until delivery

6

suggests chronic asphyxia

testing should be repeated within 24 hours; if the repeat test is <= 6 or if oligohydramnios is present, then delivery is recommended

4

suggests chronic asphyxia and the infant should be delivered if at term

if undelivered, repeat testing in 24 hours and if the repeat test is <= 6 or if oligohydramnios is present, then delivery is recommended

0 or 2

chronic asphyxia is likely

repeat testing should be done immediately and infant delivered if score persistently <= 4