Intrauterine Growth Restriction

Have of course been busy googling, and here we have the science blurb re IUGR… which I think is what our little girl is verging on:

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) refers to the poor growth of a baby while in the mother’s womb during pregnancy. Specifically, it means the developing baby weighs less than 90% of other babies at the same gestational age.

An unborn baby may not get enough oxygen and nutrition from the placenta during pregnancy because of:

• Multiple pregnancy
• Placenta problems
• Preeclampsia or eclampsia

Congenital or chromosomal abnormalities are often associated with below-normal weight. Infections during pregnancy that affect the developing baby, 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:

• Alcohol abuse
• Clotting disorders
• Drug addiction
• High blood pressure or heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Poor nutrition
• Smoking

 If the mother is small, it may be normal for her the baby to be small, but this is not due to IUGR.

 Depending on the cause of IUGR, the developing baby may be symmetrically small, or have a head that is normal size for gestational age, while the remainder of it’s body is small.

 IUGR increases the risk that the baby will die inside the womb before birth. If your doctor thinks you might have IUGR, you 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.

My husband and I are piecing together various outcomes and are gradually coming up with a plan of action for what remains of the pregnancy. We are going to do all that we can to bring both of our babies into the world.