Publication:

Evaluation of fetal outcome by biophysical profile in term pregnancy in women with less fetal movement

Background Reduced fetal movement at term may indicate fetal compromise. Biophysical profile (BPP) is widely used to assess fetal well-being, yet its predictive value for neonatal outcomes in such cases requires further evaluation. This study aimed to assess the relationship between BPP scores and fetal outcomes, including Apgar scores, need for immediate resuscitation, and NICU admission, in term pregnancies with reduced fetal movement.

Methods An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at the department of obstetrics and gynecology, Dhaka Medical College and Hospital, Bangladesh, from August 2019 to July 2020. A total of 100 term pregnant women with reduced fetal movement were enrolled. Participants were classified into normal (≥8/10) and abnormal (≤6/10) BPP groups. Neonatal outcomes were recorded and analyzed using chi-square tests with significance set at p<0.05.

Results Poor Apgar scores at one minute occurred in 33.3% of neonates in the abnormal BPP group versus 1.72% in the normal group (p<0.001). At five minutes, all neonates in the normal group had good Apgar scores, compared to 81% in the abnormal group (p=0.001). Immediate resuscitation was required in 33.3% of neonates in the abnormal group versus 1.72% in the normal group (p<0.001). NICU admission was significantly higher in the abnormal group (16.67% versus 1.72%, p=0.007).

Conclusions Abnormal BPP scores were strongly associated with adverse fetal outcomes, while normal scores were highly reassuring. BPP remains an effective tool for evaluating fetal well-being in term pregnancies with reduced fetal movement.