Biophysical Profile (BPP) Scan in Pokhara
A biophysical profile (BPP) is a late-pregnancy ultrasound that scores the baby's breathing movements, body movements, muscle tone and amniotic fluid over about 30 minutes to check that the baby is coping well in the womb. KDRC in Pokhara performs fetal biophysical profile scans for Rs. 2,500.
Also called: BPP, bpp scan, fetal biophysical profile, biophysical profile score, bpp ultrasound, fetal wellbeing test
Price at KDRC: Rs. 2,500 · see rates
- Duration
- A biophysical profile takes up to 30 minutes
- Reported by
- Consultant radiologists
- Location
- Amarsingh Chowk, Pokhara-10
- Book
- 061553538 · 9856077433
- A biophysical profile checks the baby's breathing, movements, tone and amniotic fluid on ultrasound.
- Each item scores 2 points; 8 out of 8 on ultrasound is reassuring.
- It is used for reduced movements, overdue pregnancy, high blood pressure, diabetes or a small baby.
- The scan can take up to 30 minutes because babies have sleep cycles.
- At KDRC a fetal biophysical profile costs Rs. 2,500.
On this page (5 sections)
What is a biophysical profile?
A biophysical profile is a test of the baby's wellbeing, usually after 28 weeks. On ultrasound, the radiologist watches for up to 30 minutes and scores four things, each 2 points if normal and 0 if not:
- Breathing movements: at least one episode of rhythmic breathing lasting 30 seconds.
- Body movements: at least three movements of the body or limbs.
- Muscle tone: at least one episode of the baby stretching and bending a limb or opening and closing a hand.
- Amniotic fluid: at least one pocket of fluid of adequate depth.
When the ultrasound score is combined with a non-stress test (heart-rate tracing, done by your obstetric team), the full profile is scored out of 10. KDRC performs and reports the ultrasound part, scored out of 8.
Why do doctors order a biophysical profile?
- Reduced baby movements.
- Pregnancy past the due date.
- High blood pressure, pre-eclampsia or diabetes in the mother.
- A small baby on a growth scan, or reduced fluid.
- Twin pregnancy or a previous stillbirth.
A BPP is often requested together with an obstetric Doppler, which checks blood flow to the baby.
How much does a biophysical profile cost in Pokhara?
At KDRC, a fetal biophysical profile score costs Rs. 2,500. Rates are for Nepali citizens during regular service hours and may be revised. Call 061-553538 or 9856077433 (Viber) to confirm the price and preparation before your visit. See the full KDRC price list.
Understanding your results
An ultrasound score of 8 out of 8 (or 10 out of 10 with a normal non-stress test) is reassuring. A score of 6 is equivocal and usually means repeating the test within a day or reviewing the plan. A lower score, especially with reduced fluid, needs prompt review by your obstetrician, who decides on further monitoring or the timing of delivery. Babies have sleep cycles of 20 to 40 minutes, which is why the test may take the full 30 minutes before movements are seen.
Why choose KDRC for a biophysical profile in Pokhara?
- Consultant radiologists: studies are reported by our consultant radiologists, Dr. Bishworaj Bastakoti and Dr. Nawaraj Paudel, both NMC-registered radiologists since 2016 and members of the Nepal Radiologist Society. Meet them on our doctors page.
- HD ultrasound with colour Doppler and 3D/4D/5D volume imaging on the same system.
- Same-visit add-ons: growth measurements and obstetric Doppler can be done in the same appointment when your doctor requests them.
- Central location: Shantipath, Amarsingh Chowk, Pokhara-10. Ultrasound services run any day of the week; call to confirm a time.
How to prepare
- Eat a normal meal before you come; no fasting or full bladder is needed.
- Wear loose two-piece clothing.
- Bring your antenatal card, your doctor's request and earlier scan reports.
- If your baby's movements have stopped or clearly reduced, contact your obstetrician or the maternity unit immediately.
How long it takes
A biophysical profile takes up to 30 minutes, depending on how soon the baby shows breathing and movements.
Price in Pokhara
| Test | Rate (NPR) |
|---|---|
| Fetal Biophysical Profile Score | Rs. 2,500 |
*Rates are for Nepali citizens during regular service hours and may be revised.
What to expect at KDRC
Have a normal meal before you come, as a fed mother often has a more active baby. Register with your doctor's request and antenatal card. In the scan room you lie on your back, tilted slightly if needed, and the radiologist places the probe on your bump and watches the baby. You do not need to do anything except lie still and tell the radiologist when you feel the baby move. If the baby is asleep, the radiologist keeps watching for up to 30 minutes, and you may be asked to change position. The fluid pockets are measured at the end. Our team tells you when to collect the report, which you take straight to your obstetrician, especially if you came because of reduced movements.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I get a biophysical profile in Pokhara?
KDRC at Shantipath, Amarsingh Chowk, Pokhara-10 performs fetal biophysical profile scans on HD ultrasound, reported by consultant radiologists. Call 061-553538 or 9856077433 (Viber) to confirm a time. If your baby's movements have stopped or reduced, contact your obstetrician or the maternity unit straight away.
How much does a biophysical profile cost in Pokhara?
At KDRC, a fetal biophysical profile score costs Rs. 2,500. Rates are for Nepali citizens during regular service hours and may be revised. Call 061-553538 or 9856077433 (Viber) to confirm before your visit.
What is a normal BPP score?
On ultrasound alone, 8 out of 8 is normal and reassuring. With a normal non-stress test added, the full score is 10 out of 10. A score of 6 is borderline and usually repeated; lower scores need prompt review by your obstetrician.
Why does the test take so long?
Babies sleep in cycles of about 20 to 40 minutes. If the baby is asleep, the radiologist keeps watching for up to 30 minutes so that breathing and movements have a fair chance to appear before a score is given.
Should I eat before a BPP?
Yes. Eat a normal meal beforehand. There is no need to fast or fill your bladder. Wear loose two-piece clothing.
What is the difference between a BPP and a Doppler?
A BPP watches the baby's behaviour and measures fluid. An obstetric Doppler measures blood flow in the umbilical cord and the baby's vessels. They answer related questions, and doctors often request both together.
Is a BPP safe?
Yes. It is an ordinary ultrasound with no radiation and no needles. It is painless and can be repeated as often as your doctor needs.
Sources
- radiologyinfo.org/en/info/obstetricus
- medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003778.htm
- nhs.uk/conditions/pre-eclampsia/
This page is general health information reviewed by our radiologists. It is not a diagnosis — always follow your own doctor's advice. In an emergency, call our 24-hour ambulance or go to the nearest emergency department.
Shantipath, Amarsingh Chowk, Pokhara-10, Kaski · 061553538 / 9856077433
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