Last updated September 2011. Planned review date: September 2013

Problems with your baby's growth/development (IUGR/FGR)

All parents worry about whether their baby is developing normally, and it can be devastating to discover there may be a problem.

Premature birth can be caused by problems with the way the baby is growing in your womb, or by a health problem within the developing baby.

Growth problems IUGR/FGR

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), also known as fetal growth restriction (FGR), is a condition in which the developing baby is below the tenth percentile for his gestational age. There are several factors that could cause a baby's growth to slow down:

• pre-eclampsia
• placental problems
• multiple pregnancies
• diabetes, including gestational diabetes
• the mother smoking or using drugs during pregnancy
• the mother abusing alcohol during pregnancy

There are various conditions associated with IUGR, including fetal distress (often indicated by an abnormal heart rate) and hypothermia. If a scan reveals that your baby has IUGR, the healthcare team may need to artificially induce your labour.

Signs and symptoms

IUGR/FGR is normally diagnosed during routine antenatal appointments. Your midwife will check the height of your baby. If IUGR is suspected, you will be sent for a scan for confirmation.

Treatment

You will be closely monitored and the treatment will depend on the level of growth restriction. If it is severe, your healthcare team may recommend delivering the baby.

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In this section

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Explaining premature birth:

• Your pregnancy history and premature birth
• Infection and premature birth
• Pre-eclampsia and premature birth
• Gestational diabetes and premature birth
• Waters breaking early (PPROM) and premature birth
• Problems with the placenta and premature birth
• Problems with the cervix and premature birth
• Problems with the womb and premature birth
• Multiple pregnancies and premature birth
• Problems with your baby's development and premature birth
• Other medical conditions and premature birth
• Lifestyle factors and premature birth
• Frequently asked questions

Your premature baby:

• Finding out the gestational age
• Gestational age and medical needs

You can also read about

• Reducing the risk of premature birth
• Giving birth to your baby
• Your baby's time in hospital
• Taking your baby home
• Looking after yourself

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Sources

Willacy H (2010) Intrauterine Growth Restriction, EMIS Clinical Reference Article, Patient Plus

Pallotto EK, Kilbride HW (2006) Perinatal outcome and later implications of intrauterine growth restriction, Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 49(2):257-69.

 

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