The fetal biophysical profile, or PBF, is an examination that assesses the fetus' well-being from the third trimester of pregnancy, and is able to assess the parameters and activities of the baby, from body movements, breathing movements, growth appropriate, amniotic fluid volume and heart rate.
These evaluated parameters are important, as they reflect the functioning of the baby's nervous system and its state of oxygenation, so that, if any problem is identified, it is possible to carry out the treatment as soon as possible, with the baby still in the womb.
When it's necessary
The fetal biophysical profile exam is especially indicated in cases of pregnancy that have an increased risk of complication, which can happen in situations such as:
- Baby with lower than expected growth for gestational age; Presence of little amniotic fluid; Pregnant woman with the development of pregnancy diseases such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia; Multiple pregnancy, with 2 or more fetuses, kidney or hematological; Pregnant woman much older or much lower than considered safe.
In addition, some doctors may ask for the fetal biophysical profile just to help ensure a successful pregnancy, even when the pregnant woman has any gestational risk, although there is no evidence of the benefit of this practice.
How is done
The fetal biophysical profile exam is done in obstetric clinics, usually with an ultrasound scan, to observe the baby, and with the use of sensors that detect heartbeat and blood flow.
For the examination, it is recommended that the pregnant woman wear light and comfortable clothes, be well fed to avoid hypoglycemia and remain seated or lying in a comfortable position.
What is it for
With the realization of the fetal biophysical profile, the obstetrician can identify the following parameters:
- Feta l tone, such as head and trunk position, adequate flexion, opening and closing of the hands, suction movements, closing and opening of the eyelids, for example; Movement of the fetus' body, such as rotation, stretching, chest movements; Respiratory movements of the fetus, which demonstrate whether the respiratory development is adequate, which is related to the baby's vitality; Amniotic fluid volume, which may be decreased (oligodrâmnio) or increased (polyhydramnios);
In addition, the fetal heart rate is also measured, measured through the association with the fetal cardiotocography exam.
How the result is given
Each evaluated parameter, in a period of 30 minutes, receives a score from 0 to 2, and the total result of all parameters is given with the following notes:
| Punctuation | Result |
| 8 or 10 | indicates normal examination, with healthy fetuses and with low risk of suffocation; |
| 6 | indicates a suspicious test, with possible fetal asphyxia, and the test must be repeated within 24 hours or indicate termination of pregnancy; |
| 0, 2 or 4 | indicates a high risk of fetal asphyxia. |
Based on the interpretation of these results, the doctor will be able to identify changes that may endanger the baby's life at an early stage, and treatment may be carried out more quickly, which may include the need for premature birth.
