A profile of a fetus, based on such things as its breathing movement and body movement.
A system of estimating current fetal status, determined by analyzing five variables via ultrasonography and nonstress testing. Fetal breathing movements, gross body movement, fetal tone, amniotic fluid volume, and fetal heart rate reactivity are each assigned specific values. Each expected normal finding is rated as 2; each abnormal finding is rated as 0. Scores of 8 to 10 with normal amniotic fluid volume and a reactive nonstress test (NST) indicate satisfactory fetal status. A score of 6 with normal amniotic fluid volume requires reassessment of a preterm fetus within 24 hr of delivery. Scores of less than 6 or a nonreactive NST indicate fetal compromise and require prompt delivery.