The purpose of this examination is to assess:
- Position of the baby
- Size of the baby
- Amount of fluid surrounding the baby
- Placental resistance to blood flow
- Baby's current state of health
Most babies are head down towards the end of pregnancy. Occasionally the baby can be in a breech position, where the bottom is closest to the cervix (opening to the uterus).
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| Fetal face |
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The age of the baby is established in early pregnancy. The size of the baby can be compared with the size expected for this stage of pregnancy, giving information about the baby's growth. An estimate of the weight can be calculated from the measurements.
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| Graph of average Fetal Weight Range |
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The resistance to blood flow in the placenta is assessed with Doppler ultrasound of the umbilical artery.
The biophysical profile examines fetal body movement, breathing movement, tone, and amniotic fluid volume and heart rate variability. This will give indication of fetal well being.
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| Regular Fetal heartbeat |
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