Biophysical profile?

[guatemama1]

MW has asked me to get one done now at 41+3. I'm not super excited about it as I have had no ultrasounds yet (or ever before in my life!) and I'm a little freaked out because it sounds like it is like an hour-long ultrasound? Is this standard MW practice? I'm not sure if I can/should ask her "if it is necessary" - I don't want to be the annoying challenging patient! So far my pregnancy has been very normal & healthy. Thoughts? Experience with this test?

[awallrising]

I had this with my last pregnancy b/c I was overdue 2+ wks (I might have had 2 in fact, can't remember).  I am scheduled for this next Tues b/c I will be 41 wks.  My MWs are pretty crunchy & they recommend this test to ensure that the baby is still doing well, isn't too big, still enough amniotic fluid, etc.  Yes, it's pretty standard.

I've had 3 U/S with this pregnancy (had to have 1 extra b/c of possible placenta previa) & many many more with DS b/c he was an IVF baby & over due 2+ wks.  DS is perfectly fine despite all the U/S.  I know some Moms are afraid of U/S, but I honestly don't think there's anything to fear.

"Necessary" might depend on what the procedure is for a seriously overdue Mom.  Ask her what happens if you don't get the test?

At 42 wks your placenta can fail, you can reabsorb amniotic fluid (happened to me) and so on.  I'd get the test & not worry.

[lovelylisa]

I got this test all the time this pregnancy (and failed one exactly one month ago today too lol). It's not quite an hour, at least for me  About half an hour to check if the baby is making breathing movements, moving, muscle tone, heartbeat and rolling movements and fluid levels. The baby has to make all the movements in an allotted amount of time or you fail (though this late in pregnancy they would probably suggest an induction.) It can suck if the baby is asleep then- in my case they would retest, but that was a month ago- wasn't full term yet.   I suggest you eat a big meal right before you go because if you haven't eaten, the baby doesn't have the energy to complete the test. Maybe some juice too if that gets the lil one moving. 

I would imagine they just want to check and make sure fluids and everything are ok!  It's not to bad of a test but, I know first hand that these are nerve racking.

Good luck mama!

[stellabluz]

I had to have one (my one and only ultrasound as well) for my last daughter at 41 weeks due to MW's back-up doc protocol. I really didnt like the idea of it either, but it actually was reassuring. Just talk to baby before and let em know what is about to happen, may be loud, different but just to convey a message of knowing and love will go a long way for the both of you~ Thinking lots of good things Colleen.

[guatemama1]

I just did it and it totally sucked. Baby was totally asleep or playing freeze tag (and winning). I knew this was going to happen... My 1st "medical" thing and it makes me feel like everything is failing. The technician paused to watch baby breath yet I got a 0 in that. No movement so I got a 0. I ended up "failing" with a 2/8. However, the heartbeat was right on, baby was nice n' big and developed, placenta ok, fluid ok. I don't know... It was exactly what I DIDN'T want to go thru because so far everything has been just fine and I knew some dumbass with a machine was gonna tell me otherwise based on a 20 min ultrasound.

After the results I called my MW and she felt bad but said she trusted me and trusted our appointments and measurements thus far. If we get to 42 weeks then I will get a 2nd opinion profile, we decided. My MW is asking for it because her back up OB will request it in case of any event. Also my MW has very lax protocols and said this is the 1 thing that helps her establish her relationship/protocols with her back up OB. I can respect that, and I could tell MW felt bad she "made" me do it.

Maybe it was the quality of the technician? Not that Guatemala is in the dark ages but maybe the technician/clinic was a lemon. Really lame experience and trying to recoup my good vibes and confidence again.

[guatemama1]

Originally Posted by stellabluz 

I had to have one (my one and only ultrasound as well) for my last daughter at 41 weeks due to MW's back-up doc protocol. I really didnt like the idea of it either, but it actually was reassuring. Just talk to baby before and let em know what is about to happen, may be loud, different but just to convey a message of knowing and love will go a long way for the both of you~ Thinking lots of good things Colleen.

thanks

[stellabluz]

Aw man. I posted a reply the exact time you did yours. So sorry, but I think your own instincts and the fact that all the fluids/placenta and heartbeat are fine say a lot too. Your baby is probably just smart like you are and wasnt gonna let some "technician" make him do anything that they didnt want to. A lot of it is protocol so try to relax and know you are in our positive thinkings!

[lovelylisa]

I'm sorry Guatamama- I was thinking about you today and I kept checking for updates to see what happened.

But yoy know what?  you can fail the appointment in the morning and pass a few hours later. And your fluids and everything was ok, just movement which is the lame part because the baby could be asleep. (or the tecnician could suck) You're lucky to have a supportive midwife too. 

don't worry  I am sure all will work out fine.

[guatemama1]

Originally Posted by lovelylisa 

I'm sorry Guatamama- I was thinking about you today and I kept checking for updates to see what happened.

But yoy know what?  you can fail the appointment in the morning and pass a few hours later. And your fluids and everything was ok, just movement which is the lame part because the baby could be asleep. (or the tecnician could suck) You're lucky to have a supportive midwife too. 

don't worry  I am sure all will work out fine.

Thanks for your words - I appreciate it :)