Intrauterine Growth Restriction

What is intrauterine growth restriction?

Intrauterine growth restriction or IUGR means the baby in the womb is not growing as expected. Intrauterine means within the uterus or in the foetal life while growth restriction means that something is hindering the growth of baby. In IUGR, the size of the baby is smaller than that expected for the observed gestational age of mother. Gestational age is how far along the mother is in her pregnancy based on months or weeks.

What happens in intrauterine growth restriction?

In IUGR, the baby is not receiving proper nutrition to support the growth in the fetal stage. This can happen because of:

• A problem with the placenta which is responsible for bringing oxygen and nutrients from the mother’s body to the foetus
• A problem with the umbilical vessels which are present in the umbilical cord, connecting the baby to the placenta

Depending upon the type of growth restriction, there can be two types of IUGR.

• Symmetric IUGR: The head and the body of the baby, both are smaller than expected but are proportionate to each other.
• Asymmetric IUGR: The head and the brain of the baby is of a normal size but the body is smaller than expected and both are disproportionate.

What makes a baby at risk for intrauterine growth restriction?

There can be after effects related to the mother or to the baby which put the foetus at risk for developing intrauterine growth restriction. These include:

• Consumption of alcohol by mother
• Smoking by mother
• Presence of multiple pregnancy such as twins or triplets
• The baby having a genetic effect
• The mother has an infectious disease such as rubella or toxoplasmosis
• The mother has hypertension
• There is some chronic condition such as lupus
• Mother is on seizure medication

Is intrauterine growth restriction dangerous?

Intrauterine growth restriction can cause various problems in the baby depending upon the underline condition. Babies with IUGR are at a higher risk for many problems of the new born including:

• Baby born with IUGR may have to be admitted to the NICU for care after birth.
• They may have a longer hospital stay as compared to normal newborn baby.
• The baby may have problems with feeding.
• Baby may have a problem maintaining its body temperature.
• There may be abnormal blood cell count.
• The baby may have a problem fighting off infections.
• There may be neurological problems in the baby.

What should I do if my baby has intrauterine growth restriction?

• Make sure to go for all your prenatal visits.
• Follow the advice of your doctor regarding the diagnostics and treatment.
• Ensure you get proper nutrition and are following a healthy diet.
• Get proper sleep.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking.