Thursday, February 28, 2008

Update for Feb. 28th

Hello everyone, I sure miss all of you. I had 2 BETAMETHASONE steriod shots. One yesterday and one today. Betamethasone is often used in patients with premature labor at about 26–34 weeks' gestation to stimulate fetal lung maturation.
I am also having BPP testing twice a week on Tuesday and Fridays. The biophysical profile (BPP) is a noninvasive test that predicts the presence or absence of fetal asphyxia and, ultimately, the risk of fetal death in the antenatal period. When the BPP identifies a compromised fetus, measures can be taken to intervene before progressive metabolic acidosis leads to fetal death.

The BPP combines data from two sources, ie, ultrasound imaging and fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring. Dynamic realtime B-mode ultrasound is used to measure the amniotic fluid volume (AFV) and to observe several types of fetal movement. The FHR is obtained using a pulsed Doppler transducer integrated with a high-speed microprocessor, which provides a continuously updated reading.

The BPP integrates 5 parameters to yield a biophysical profile score (BPS) and includes (1) the nonstress test (NST), (2) ultrasound measurement of the AFV, (3) observation of the presence or absence of fetal breathing movements, (4) gross body movements, and (5) tone.

The BPP allows 2 points for each parameter that is present, yielding a maximum score of 10; however, if all the ultrasound variable findings are normal, the FHR variable may be excluded because no change is made in the predicative accuracy of the BPP by including the FHR. If one or more ultrasound variable findings are abnormal, the NST should be performed.

A basic principle of antepartum testing is that a more accurate prediction of fetal wellness is achieved in direct proportion to the number of variables considered. The BPP is a clinical tool that integrates levels of dynamic biophysical activities into a useable standard. The BPP allows 2 points for each parameter that is present, yielding a maximum score of 10; however, if all ultrasound variables are normal, the FHR variable may be excluded because no change is made in the predictive accuracy of the BPP by including the FHR. If one or more ultrasound variable is abnormal, the NST should be performed.

Both boys got a 10 out of 10 yesterday. I was so happy. Ari is weighing in at 3.5lbs and Noah at 2.1lbs. Being home is hard. The beagles love it though. We sleep a lot. Sure miss work though. I promise to start posting more. It has just been hard getting use to all this. Thank you for all the support and I hope to hear for you guys soon. Heidi

posted by Baby Fust @ 2:33 PM

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