The use and misuse of the fetal biophysical profile

The value of the fetal biophysical profile in determining fetal well-being has been well documented. The increasing clinical use of the fetal biophysical profile, however, has led to the recognition of frequent errors in the interpretation and application of this modality. These errors may result in unnecessary interventions or adverse perinatal outcome. The most frequent errors in the interpretation and application of the fetal biophysical profile are described; in an attempt to minimize the misuse of the fetal biophysical profile, an alternative protocol of antepartum fetal evaluation is suggested based upon the information obtained from the biophysical monitoring of the fetus.