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Fetal growth restriction
Fetal growth restriction
by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023
Additional names
This group contains additional names: - IUGR - Intrauterine Growth Restriction
General
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), or fetal growth restriction, refers to poor growth of a fetus while in the womb during pregnancy. IUGR is defined by clinical features of malnutrition and evidence of reduced growth regardless of an infant's birth weight percentile.The causes of IUGR are broad and may involve maternal, fetal, or placental complications.
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Signs & symptoms
A baby with IUGR may show the following symptoms at birth: * appears malnourished * thin or pale skin * breathing difficulties * feeding issues * low blood sugar * body temperature issues * appears yellow (jaundice) * infection (sepsis)
Diagnosis
Before babies are born, doctors check their growth by measuring the mother's belly from the top of the pubic bone to the top of the uterus. This is called the uterine fundal height. They also can do a prenatal ultrasound, which is how IUGR often is diagnosed. A technician coats the woman's belly with a gel and then moves a probe (wand-like instrument) over it. High-frequency sound waves create pictures of the baby on a computer screen. These pictures help doctors estimate the baby's size and weight. These estimates aren't exact, but they do help health care providers track the baby's growth and see if there's a problem. Ultrasounds also can help find other issues, such as problems with the placenta or a low level of amniotic fluid (the fluid surrounding the fetus). Doctors will also use ultrasounds to check the blood flow to the placenta and through the umbilical cord. If they think a baby has IUGR, doctors also might do such tests as: * fetal monitoring to track the baby's heart rate and movements * screening the mother for infections that could affect the baby * amniocentesis to look for genetic causes of IUGR (and sometimes to help them see how mature the baby's lungs are)
Treatment
Treatment for intrauterine growth restriction depends on how far along the pregnancy is and how the baby is doing. Doctors will watch a baby with IUGR closely during prenatal visits. They'll do ultrasounds, keep track of growth, and watch for other problems. If the baby's mother has a condition, doctors will help her manage it. This might include making sure she eats a healthy and nutritious diet and gains the right amount of weight during her pregnancy. Some women might go on bed rest to try to improve blood flow to the baby. Sometimes, doctors will recommend inducing labor and delivery early. They might do this if the baby seems to have stopped growing, or if there's a problem with the placenta or the blood flow in the umbilical cord. A woman might have a cesarean section (C-section) if the stress of a vaginal delivery is considered too risky for the baby.
Note
☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike
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