Intrauterine growth retardation describes a baby whose size is in the bottom ten percent for its age.
Although the baby is physically small the term does not apply to the development and function of the baby's brain and use of the term does not imply mental retardation. There is also no evidence of long term neurological compromise or other complications later in life.
Parents are often concerned that their pregnancy is not progressing normally. A common complaint is that they are too large or too small for their stage of pregnancy. Rest assured that your doctor will be carefully monitoring the development of your pregnancy during each prenatal visit: the prenatal pelvic exam includes measurement of the fundal heightA medical term used to describe the top of the uterus. Used by doctors as a point of measurement to determine the growth of the uterus during pregnancy.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions. from the pubic bone to the top of the uterus.
If the baby's weight is low the risk of fetal death rises significantly and your doctor will want to make sure that the necessary actions are taken to reduce the risks of your pregnancy.
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It is important to attend your routine prenatal visits throughout your pregnancy. Your doctor will measure the growth of the uterus during the pregnancy and if there are little or no signs of growth over the course of three or four weeks your doctor may become concerned about iugr. Serial ultrasounds at regular intervals, two to four weeks depending on the stage of pregnancy, will permit your doctor to measure the growth of the head, abdomen and femur as well as the amount of amniotic fluidThe liquid, which is produced by both the fetal membranes and the fetus that surrounds the baby during pregnancy. The liter of fluid at term serves to protect the fetus during pregnancy and also provide active chemical exchange.
The amniotic fluid consists of maternal and fetal plasma in varying concentrations. The pH of the fluid is almost neutral and clear, although lipids and desquamated fetal cells can make it cloudy.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions. to confirm the diagnosis.
Intrauterine growth retardation occurs in about eight percent (about 1 in 12) pregnancies. If the growth retardation is in the bottom ten percent the risk of stillbirth increases and it may be necessary to deliver the baby before full term. Because the lungs may not have developed completely there is a possible complication of respiratory distress syndrome. There is also a risk that meconiumWaste material that collects in the intestinal tract of the unborn fetus. It is thick and sticky in consistency and varys in color from dark green to black.
It is formed from a variety of substances from amniotic fluid to secretions in the intestinal tracts. The presence of meconium in the amniotic fluid is usually a sign of fetal distress.
After birth the color and consistency of the stool changes with the ingestion of breast milk or formula.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions. may be present with the attendant possibility of meconium aspiration. In most cases there is no long term mental compromise.
There are a number of risk factors which will cause doctors to look for signs of intrauterine growth retardation. These include:
Your doctor will consider these conditions as risk factors for intrauterine growth retardation and will carefully monitor your baby's development througout your pregnancy.
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If your pregnancy is still in the second trimester or early third trimester your doctor will try and identify a known cause of intrauterine growth retardation and attempt to reverse it. In many cases stopping smoking, drinking or intensive physical exercise combined with bedrest and a proper diet may be sufficient to earn a few more weeks of uterine life.
It is important to create a condition that will increase the flow of blood to the baby so that it receives maximum nutrition. The well being of the fetus will be monitored using nonstress tests, nipple stimulation tests or a biophysical profile. If there are signs that the condition is not improving than a delivery early in the third trimester may be necessary.
If iugr is diagnosed later in pregnancy your doctor will probably choose to deliver the baby early. It seems likely that iugr increases the rate of fetal lung maturity so your doctor will perform a nipple stimulation test to determine fetal wellbeing and examine whether the cervix is ripe. If conditions allow labor will be induced or should the fetus show signs of distress a cesarean section may be necessary.
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