Overview
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a condition in which a fetus is smaller than expected for the gestational age. Fetus with symmetrical IUGR is small overall. Fetus with asymmetrical IUGR has a head that is larger than the abdomen.Signs and Symptoms
Pregnant women do not show symptoms of intrauterine growth restriction, Estimated weight of the fetus is less than the 10th percentile, Disparity in the measurement of abdominal circumference Low birth weight after birth, Hypoglycemia after birth, Hypothermia after birthCommon Causes
Maternal issues such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, anemia, underweight, multiple gestations, autoimmune conditions like lupus, smoking, and drug or alcohol use, Problems with the fetus such as genetic disease including chromosomal and gene defects, congenital anomalies, heart defects, infections, and are one of a twin or triplets, Placental or umbilical cord abnormalitiesRisk Factors
Maternal medical disease, Multiple gestations, Teen pregnancy, Maternal pre-pregnancy weight, Maternal malnutrition, Maternal drug or alcohol use, Low socioeconomic status, Congenital infection, Congenital anomalies, Fetal heart defects, Chromosomal and gene defects in a fetusInvestigation Techniques
Medical history, Prenatal examination particularly looking at fundal height, Blood test including full blood count, blood glucose level, Urine test for maternal drug use, Ultrasound biometry of the fetus and amniotic fluid volume, Uterine artery Doppler measurement, Umbilical artery Doppler measurement, Chromosomal analysisTreatment and Prevention
Frequent monitoring with more prenatal visits, ultrasound, and Doppler ultrasound examinations, Tracking fetal movements, Hospital stay, Continuous cardiotocography, Corticosteroids administration to achieve lung maturity, Maternal oxygen, Amnioinfusion, Early delivery or emergency caesarean section, Can be prevented with a healthy diet, quit smoking and drug use, and regular prenatal care
