Name of the Procedure:

Fetal Biophysical Profile (BPP); without non-stress testing.

Summary

A Fetal Biophysical Profile (BPP) is a prenatal test used to evaluate the well-being of a fetus. It involves ultrasound imaging to assess five specific criteria without conducting a non-stress test.

Purpose

• Medical Condition or Problem: This procedure addresses concerns regarding fetal health and helps monitor pregnancies at risk of complications.
• Goals or Expected Outcomes: The goal is to evaluate the fetal heart rate, muscle tone, movement, breathing, and the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus, ensuring the fetus is not in distress and is developing normally.

Indications

• Specific Symptoms or Conditions: Reduced fetal movement, pregnancy complications like diabetes or hypertension, and post-term pregnancy.
• Patient Criteria or Factors: Pregnant patients with high-risk conditions or when there are concerns about the baby’s well-being.

Preparation

• Pre-procedure Instructions: Typically, no special preparations such as fasting or medication adjustments are needed for this procedure.
• Diagnostic Tests or Assessments: No specific tests required beforehand; however, the patient might undergo other routine prenatal assessments.

Procedure Description

• Step-by-Step Explanation:
  1. The patient lies on an examination table.
  2. An ultrasound technician applies a special gel to the patient’s abdomen.
  3. An ultrasound probe is used to create images of the fetus, assessing the five main criteria: fetal heart rate (via ultrasound instead of non-stress test), fetal breathing movements, fetal muscle tone, fetal movements, and amniotic fluid volume.
• Tools, Equipment, or Technology: Ultrasound machine, gel, and probe.
• Anesthesia or Sedation: Not required for this procedure.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes.

Setting

Performed in a hospital, outpatient clinic, or a specialized ultrasound examination room.

Personnel

• Ultrasound technician/sonographer
• Obstetrician or maternal-fetal medicine specialist

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: No significant risks, as it is a non-invasive procedure.
• Possible Complications: Extremely rare, but some patients may experience mild discomfort from lying down for an extended period.

Benefits

• Expected Benefits: Provides crucial information about fetal health, helping to ensure timely interventions if necessary.
• Realization of Benefits: Immediate evaluation results can inform decisions about further testing or treatments.

Recovery

• Post-procedure Care and Instructions: Usually no special care needed. Patients can resume normal activities immediately.
• Expected Recovery Time: No recovery time required.
• Restrictions or Follow-up Appointments: Typically, follow-ups are scheduled based on the results and pregnancy needs.

Alternatives

• Other Treatment Options: Non-stress test (NST) combined with components of BPP, Doppler ultrasound, or regular ultrasound assessments.
• Pros and Cons: NST provides real-time monitoring of fetal heart rate in response to fetal movements, offering different insights; however, BPP without NST is less invasive and reduces patient discomfort.

Patient Experience

• During the Procedure: The patient may feel slight pressure from the ultrasound probe but should not experience pain.
• After the Procedure: The patient can resume usual activities. There may be some minor gel residue, which is easily wiped off. Comfort measures are not generally needed.