North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam

Which fetal parameter is NOT included in the full BPP?

1. Fetal breathing movements

2. Maternal heart rate

3. Fetal tone

4. Reactive fetal heart rate

The correct answer is: Maternal heart rate

In a biophysical profile (BPP), the assessment evaluates several fetal parameters to determine the well-being of the fetus, particularly in the context of conditions like potential intrauterine growth restriction or fetal distress. The BPP typically includes fetal breathing movements, fetal tone, reactive fetal heart rate, and amniotic fluid volume. The maternal heart rate is not part of the biophysical profile evaluation. Instead, the BPP focuses specifically on the fetus's physiological functioning. While maternal health is crucial for fetal well-being, parameters such as maternal heart rate are monitored separately as they pertain directly to maternal health status rather than the fetal assessment being conducted in the BPP. Therefore, the absence of maternal heart rate from the BPP is correct as it focuses solely on fetal outcomes.