The Biophysical Profile

Yesterday afternoon was the first of several biophysical profiles in which Clara and I will participate.  It's a series of "tests" that she must pass once a week until her birth.  She receives a grade of 0 - 10, with anything 8 and above as passing.  A complete description of this test can be found at American Pregnancy Association's website. 

Clara's heartbeat on the left.

The first part was the nonstress test.  Two sensors were banded to my belly so the medical staff could monitor Clara's heartbeat in relation to her movements and other disturbances such as uterine activity and a horn they once blared at my belly for her amusement.  All the horn seemed to do was speed up her heart rate for a few seconds.  The nurse performing the test said that Clara was being uncooperative, as she seemed to prefer rest over amusing the tester.  I'm not concerned, though.  Clara has been plenty active, and when she is active, sometimes it seems she is overactive.  They just happened to catch her at her nap time.  Who can blame her?  She'd been up late the night before teasing her mommy.  For this part of the test, they didn't say, but I suspect we received 0 out of 2.



The two sensors strapped to my belly for the nonstress portion.



The ultrasound technician performed the remainder of the test--worth 8 points.  This ultrasound passed quicker than past ultrasounds, mainly because the tech wasn't performing measurements, but instead looking for specifics from Clara.  One of these was to see Clara practice breathing.  We waited a good 15 minutes before we saw her lungs panting up and down, but what a relief it was to me when she did.  Had she not done this then there would be concern about oxygen getting to her brain.  For the ultrasound part of the biophysical profile she scored all 8 points. 

My understanding is that if she scores below 8 points then the perinatologist will look at whether the best option is to induce labor versus continuing the pregnancy.  I feel fortunate that aside from her Down syndrome diagnosis Clara seems to be thriving and healthy.  I'm hanging on to that.  Please stay strong, little girl.  We are almost there.