Biophysical Ultrasound

Why Do Perintatologists Recommend Biophysical Ultrasounds During Pregnancy?

A biophysical ultrasound can determine whether or not your baby is getting enough oxygen. This prenatal testing procedure is done during the third trimester if your pregnancy is considered high risk.

Also known as the biophysical profile exam (which combines the ultrasound and checking the fetal heart rate), we look for the following indicators of your baby’s wellbeing:

• Fetal tone
• Fetal breathing
• Fetal movements
• Amniotic fluid volume

What is a biophysical ultrasound?

• It is a detailed ultrasound examination during which one of our experienced sonographers will observe your baby's body movements, muscle tone (position of flexion or extension at rest), and breathing movements (the baby's ability to move its chest muscles and diaphragm), and the amount of amniotic fluid.
• This prenatal test usually takes about 30 minutes, however it might be shorter if your baby displays all the activities quickly.
• As part of the biophysical profile, a test will be done to monitor your baby’s heart rate as she/he moves and your uterine contractions.
• The results are tabulated and further treatment will be determined based on the assessment.

When might you be asked to do a biophysical ultrasound?

• You have a medical condition that could affect the baby’s well being such as diabetes, high blood pressure or insufficient growth
• You go past your delivery due date
• Your baby appears to be small or not growing
• Your baby is less active than normal (movements seem less)
• You have an abnormality found on ultrasound examination
• You have previously experienced a stillbirth or a previous small baby

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