What you can expect

A biophysical profile can be done in your health care provider's office or in a hospital. The test might take 30 minutes or so to complete. A modified biophysical profile takes less time.

During the procedure

During the nonstress test, you'll lie on an exam table and have a belt placed across your abdomen. The belt contains a sensor that measures the fetal heart rate. The heart rate is recorded by a machine. If your baby is asleep, you might need to wait until he or she awakens to ensure accurate results. In some cases, your health care provider might try to awaken the baby by projecting a sound over your abdomen.

During the ultrasound exam, you'll also lie on an exam table. Your health care provider or an ultrasound technician will apply a small amount of gel to your abdomen. Then he or she will roll a small device called a transducer over your skin. The transducer will emit pulses of sound waves that will be translated into a pattern of light and dark areas — creating an image of your baby on a monitor.

Your health care provider or the ultrasound technician will then evaluate your baby's breathing movements, body movements, muscle tone and amniotic fluid level. If your baby is asleep, this portion of the test might take a little longer.

After the procedure

When the biophysical profile is complete, your health care provider will likely discuss the results with you right away.