THE USE OF A SIMPLIFIED FETAL BIOPHYSICAL PROFILE IN ANTEPARTUM ASSESSMENT OF FETAL WELLBEING

Abstract

Antepartum detection of fetus at risk in utero remains a major challenge in modern obstetric practice. That is mainly because even in a high-risk chance of death or disability, the effect on the fetus cannot be predicted ranging from death to no effect whatsoever. The antenatal fetal assessment is indicated in two major situations; which are uteroplacental insufficiency and fetal disorders. Nowadays, several testing methods are used in antepartum assessment of fetal well-being.

Clinical assessment is based on several parameters such as fetal movements, maternal weight, fetal growth and amniotic fluid volume. On the other hand, combined used of maternal serum biochemical markers can define precisely the risk of fetal chromosomal abnormality. Though amniocentesis is the simplest and most currently used invasive procedure during 16-18 weeks' gestation, chorionic villus sampling is a first trimester alternative for early assessment. On the other hand, cordocentesis is the current method of fetal blood sampling done after 18 weeks' gestation.