A biophysical profile (BPP) is a prenatal ultrasound evaluation of fetal well-being involving a scoring system,^[1] with the score being termed Manning's score.^[2] It is often done when a non-stress test (NST) is non reactive, or for other obstetrical indications.

The "modified biophysical profile" consists of the NST and amniotic fluid index only.

The BPP has five components: four ultrasound (US) assessments and an NST. The NST evaluates fetal heart rate and response to fetal movement. The five discrete biophysical variables are:

1. Fetal heart rate
2. Fetal breathing
3. Fetal movement
4. Fetal tone
5. Amniotic fluid volume

Use of vibroacoustic stimulation to accelerate evaluation has been described.^[4]

Each assessment is graded either 0 or 2 points and then added up to yield a number between 0 and 10. A BPP of 8 or 10 is generally considered reassuring. A BPP normally is not performed before the second half of a pregnancy since fetal movements do not occur in the first half.^[5] The presence of these biophysical variables implies absence of significant central nervous system hypoxemia/acidemia at the time of testing. By comparison, a compromised fetus typically exhibits loss of accelerations of the fetal heart rate (FHR), decreased body movement and breathing, hypotonia, and, less acutely, decreased amniotic fluid volume.

• Nonstress test
• Cardiotocography