Antepartum fetal assessment using a fetal biophysical profile score.

The application of the fetal biophysical profile score in the management of 2,400 high-risk pregnancies was assessed. The negative predictive value for normal perinatal outcome was not improved compared to single variable tests. The positive predictive value for abnormal perinatal outcome was improved. The overall perinatal mortality in 2,485 fetuses was 9.2 per 1,000. In the 1,980 fetuses with a normal biophysical profile score within 7 days of delivery, excluding lethal anomalies, the perinatal mortality was 1 per 1,000. Fetal movement counting is supported as the most valid and appropriate test for universal fetal screening.