Fetal Outcome Evaluation in High-risk Term Pregnancy Using Biophysical Profile at a Tertiary Hospital in Anambra State, Nigeria

Introduction: A high-risk pregnancy is defined as a pregnancy in which there is a significant probability of an adverse maternal or fetal outcome that is more than the incidence of that outcome in the general population.

Aim: To determine the usefulness of biophysical profile evaluation in women with high-risk term pregnancies.

Methods: Biophysical profile (BPP) parameters were used to evaluate 160 high-risk women with term pregnancies.

Results: All the participants had normal amniotic fluid index values [AFI] of 8.1-24.0cm. Most of the participants 115 (71.9%) showed good BPP scores. Outcome at delivery was as follows; fetal distress [presence 8.9%, absence 91.1%], stillbirth = none, admission into the intensive care unit (ICU) [Yes 2.0%, No 88%], meconium staining [Yes 8.2%, Clear 91.8%], birth weight [< 2.5kg = 5.7%, > 2.5kg = 94.3%]. APGAR score at 1 minute [<7 = 5.1%, >7 = 94.9%] while at 5 minutes [<7 = 3.2%, > 7= 96.8%]. The commonest mode of delivery was vaginal 84 (52.8%). The association between gross body movement, fetal breathing movement, and fetal outcome was not statistically significant p > 0.05.

Conclusion: BPP parameters were found to be associated with fetal outcomes.