Intrauterine growth restriction refers to the poor growth of a baby while in the womb. Specifically, it refers to a fetus whose weight is below the 10th percentile for its gestational age.
Alternative NamesIntrauterine growth retardation; IUGR
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsMany different things can lead to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). An unborn baby may not get enough nutrition because of:
Congenital or chromosomal abnormalities are often associated with below-normal weight. Infections during pregnancy that affect the fetus, such as rubella, cytomegalovirus, toxoplasmosis, and syphilis may also affect the weight of the developing baby.
Risk factors in the mother that may contribute to IUGR include:
If the mother is small, it may be normal for her to have a small fetus, but this is not due to IUGR.
Depending on the cause of IUGR, the fetus may be symmetrically small, or have a head that is normal size for gestational age, while the remainder of the fetus is growth restricted.
SymptomsIntrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) may be suspected if the size of the pregnant woman's uterus is small. The condition is usually confirmed by ultrasound.
Further tests may be needed to screen for infection or genetic problems if IUGR is suspected.
TreatmentIUGR increases the risk for intrauterine death. If this condition is suspected, the pregnant woman will be closely monitored with several pregnancy ultrasounds to measure the baby's growth, movements, blood flow, and fluid around the baby. Non-stress testing will also be done. Depending on the results of these tests, delivery may be necessary.
Expectations (prognosis)The prognosis for normal newborn growth and development varies by the degree and cause of IUGR. Prognosis should be discussed with your obstetrician and pediatrician.
ComplicationsDepending on the specific cause, IUGR increases the risk for a variety of pregnancy and newborn complications. Infants may have a non-reassuring fetal heart rate during labor, requiring delivery by c-section.
Calling your health care providerContact your provider right away if you are pregnant and notice that the baby is moving less than usual.
Also call your health care provider if your infant or child does not seem to be growing or developing normally.
PreventionControl risk factors during pregnancy, when possible. Avoid alcohol, smoking, and drug use, and get regular prenatal care.
ReferencesBaschat AA, Galan HL, Ross MG, Gabbe SG. Intrauterine growth restriction. In: Gabbe SG, Niebyl JR, Simpson JL, eds. Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2007:chap 29.
Williams DE, Pridjian G. Obstetrics. In: Rakel RE, ed. Textbook of Family Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 29.
DefinitionSmall for gestational age (SGA) means a fetus or infant is smaller in size than normal for the baby's gender and gestational age.Alternative NamesLow birth weightInformationUltrasound is used to find out if a fetus is smaller-than-normal for age (intrauterine growth restriction). The most widely used definition of SGA is birth weight below the 10th percentile.A fetus with intrauterine growth restriction will be small in size and can have problems such as:Increased red blood cells (polycythemia)Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)Low body temperature (hypothermia)ReferencesBaschat AA, Galan HL, Ross MG, Gabbe SG. Intrauterine growth restriction. In: Gabbe SG, Niebyl JR, Simpson JL, eds. Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2007:chap 29.
it may mean that the fetus does not have enough room to move around as freely because during the last month the fetus goes through a final growth spurt. there is also something called intrauterine growth restriction that can cause the fetus to not move as much.
Weakness, dizziness and loss of consciousness for the mother, intrauterine growth restriction and brain damage do to low oxygen levels for the baby. Keeping your iron (RBC) level normal during pregnancy is very important for fetal health.
Ann Detmer has written: 'Intrauterine growth retardation' -- subject(s): Fetus, Growth retardation, Guinea pigs
Perivillous fibrin deposition is an abnormal accumulation of fibrin (a protein involved in blood clotting) around the placental villi in the maternal-fetal interface. It is associated with conditions like placental abruption and intrauterine growth restriction, which can lead to pregnancy complications. Excessive fibrin deposition can impair blood flow in the placenta and compromise fetal development.
A small stomach in twins does not always indicate intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). While it can be a sign of IUGR, other factors such as gestational age, placental function, and individual fetal development can also influence stomach size. It's important for healthcare providers to evaluate the overall growth and health of both twins through ultrasound and other assessments to determine the underlying cause of any size discrepancies.
Wilhelmus Jacobus Honnebier has written: 'The fetal brain in intrauterine growth and parturition' -- subject(s): Fetus, Hypothalamo-hypophyseal system
Yes, twins who share the same placenta (monochorionic twins) have a higher risk of complications during pregnancy compared to twins with separate placentas (dichorionic twins). This is because monochorionic twins are more likely to experience conditions such as twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome and selective intrauterine growth restriction.
High blood flow to the fetus refers to an increased volume of blood circulating to the developing baby during pregnancy, which is essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients. This enhanced blood flow is facilitated by the placenta, which acts as the interface between maternal and fetal circulation. Adequate blood flow is crucial for fetal growth and development, and any abnormalities in this circulation can lead to complications such as intrauterine growth restriction or fetal distress. Monitoring blood flow can be important in assessing fetal health throughout pregnancy.
Impaired placental development can be caused by conditions that reduce blood flow, such as preeclampsia, which involves high blood pressure and damage to blood vessels. Other factors include maternal smoking, obesity, and certain infections that can lead to placental insufficiency. Additionally, abnormalities in the uterine or placental structure may hinder proper blood supply, negatively affecting nutrient transfer and fetal growth. These factors can lead to complications like intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and preterm birth.
In symmetrical IUGR, the baby's head and body are proportionately small. In asymmetrical IUGR, the baby's brain is abnormally large when compared to the liver.
If you smoke during pregnancy will result to intrauterine retarded growth because nicotine can constrict blood vessel.