BPP

staceymack

I have read what the test measures, but exactly how do they do it. For example, do they do something special to measure the heart function? Lung function?

We see MFM twice a week now for TTTS monitoring. They use ultrasound to measure the amniotic fluid, cord dopplers, etc. I was wondering how BPP will different from what they already do. Thanks

CNYBride05

They look at fluid levels, organ function, and that the babies are "practice breathing."

memali26

The BPP will just be part of the u/s. They'll be looking for other measurements in addition to the ones they've already been checking you for. Specifically muscle tone and "practice breathing." Muscle tone they asses by watching certain movements the baby makes and "practice breathing" is actually the baby breathing amniotic fluid into the lungs, so they'll watch that process on the u/s. They'll give the baby a score out of 8 pts. 

So really, for your end of it, it won't be anything different, still just hanging out while they do an u/s. It might just take a little longer to get the additional measurements.  

NantucketSunset

It is like a longer ultrasound. As other posters have mentioned they are looking at more factors, including breathing movements. Don't panic if it takes a while or the tech shakes the wand to stimulate the baby (although it is annoying!). For the breathing movements I think they are looking for something like a sustained 30 seconds of practice breathing over a 30 minute period. So in theory it can take a while... I have personally found the BPPs annoying, but that is probably due to the fact that I keep getting the same tech that insists I lay on my back and shakes my belly with the wand like crazy, I think out of impatience. Grrr. 

lrichmond86

I've been getting these every week for the last month. Our tech is great and explains everything to us. I kind of enjoy them. As pp have said they're looking for 8 criteria... heart rate, breathing, full stomach, full bladder, fluid, movement, tone, and usually an nst. My biggest suggestion would be to ask your tech questions about what she's looking at for more peace of mind. Ours always tells us our score at the end, but I don't know if that's typical.