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| Ultrasound has enabled
doctors to look directly at your baby to assess how healthy he is.
This has led to a set of test called the Biophysical Profile. |
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| Several different parameters
(criteria) are observed using Ultrasound and the Non-Strees Test:
Breathing
- Does the baby have breathing movements at least once in 30 minutes?
Body
Movement - Does the baby move at least three times in 30 minutes?
Muscle
Tone - Does the baby have at least one flexion-extension (open-close)
movement of arms, legs or hands in 30 minutes?
Non-Stress
Test - Is it reactive?
Amount
of amniotic fluid - Is there enough fluid around the baby?
Each of these is assigned a
number. The numbers are added to get a score. 8-10 is good,
6 is worrisome, 4 or less is ominous. Your doctor may decide to deliver
your baby if the score is 6 or below. |
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The Observation Time
is thirty minutes for sonogram visualization of the baby.
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SCORING
THE BIOPHYSICAL PROFILE
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OBSERVATION
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NORMAL
(2 points)
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ABNORMAL
(0 points)
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| Non-Stress Test |
Reactive |
Non-reactive |
Fetal Breathing Movement
during 30 Minute Observation
Period |
One breathing period lasting
at least 60 seconds |
Breathing period less than
60 seconds or no breathing observed |
Fetal Body Movement
during 30 Minute Observation
Period |
3 discrete and definite
movements of the arms, legs or body |
Less than 3 discrete movements
of arms/legs or body |
Fetal Muscle Tone
during 30 Minute Observation
Period |
Arms and legs are usually
flexed with head on chest. One definite extension and retuen to flexion |
Arms and legs are usually
flexed with head on chest - No flexion |
| Amniotic Fluid Volume |
Largest Pocket of fluid
is greater than 1 cm in vertical diameter without containing loops of cord |
Largest pocket is less
than 1 cm in vertical diameter without loops of cord |
8-10 = maximal score
0-4 = severe fetal compromise;
delivery indicated
There is a 33% sensitivity;
17% positive predictive value in this test. Some physicians will
proceed with a Contaction Stress Test (CST), unless the amniotic fluid
is severely depleted. Others will proceed with delivery if there
is severe fetal compromise indicated. |
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
THAT MAY HELP:
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© 1996-99: MJ
Bovo. All rights reserved under US Copyright Law.
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| Excerpts from:
The Family
Pregnancy © 1995: MJ Bovo, The Family Pregnancy, Second Edition,
currently
in production, and Do You Have Any Questions? © 1995:
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