Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) is the condition in which the baby appears with smaller weights than expected.
If an ultrasound examination signifies that the baby weight is below the 10th percentile of their gestation age, then the condition is called as intrauterine growth retardation.
This condition is also called as small for gestational age or fetal growth restriction.
There are basically two types of intrauterine growth retardations: one is primary or symmetric IUGR and the other is secondary or asymmetric IUGR.
Primary or symmetric IUGR is a condition in which all the internal organs are decreased in size. This condition can appear in 20-25% of all the cases of IUGR.
Secondary or asymmetric IUGR is a condition in which the brain and head of the baby are in normal size but the abdomen is smaller. Usually, this condition is not clear until the third trimester.
Intrauterine growth retardation is due to the babies not getting enough nutrition. This is because of various conditions in the mother. They can be:
Maternal factors:
Uterus and placental factors:
Risk factors in the mother:
A pregnant lady can be infected with IUGR at any stage. Early onset IUGR results with various chromosomal abnormalities, placenta problems, or maternal disease. Late onset IUGR is due to some other problems.
There are various concerns related to intrauterine growth retardation during birth such as:
Severe intrauterine growth retardation results in stillbirth. This condition can also cause long-term growth problems in your babies.
The treatment for intrauterine growth retardation remains problematic. Basically, the treatment will depend upon your pregnancy stage.
Even a healthy mother can also be affected with intrauterine growth retardation. Usually, the treatment consists of proper nutrition, sufficient bed rest or immediate delivery.
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