A component of a traditional biophysical profile (BPP) is which of the following?

• A. Fetal breathing
• B. Fetal heart rate
• C. Placental grading
• D. Maternal blood pressure

Answer: (A)

Fetal breathing movements are one of the five components evaluated in a traditional biophysical profile. In a BPP, ultrasound assesses fetal breathing, gross movements, fetal tone, and amniotic fluid volume, and is combined with a nonstress test that monitors fetal heart rate accelerations. Fetal breathing is defined as at least one episode of breathing lasting 30 seconds or longer within a 30-minute observation. Each component contributes 0 or 2 points toward a total score of up to 10, with higher scores indicating reassuring fetal well-being. Fetal heart rate is evaluated during the nonstress test rather than as a separate ultrasound parameter, while placental grading and maternal blood pressure are not part of the BPP scoring.