Fetal growth restriction - Definition and Overview

Intrauterine growth retardation or Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) refers to the condition during pregnancy where a fetus is considered to be too small for its gestational age (generally in the 10th percentile).

The condition is generally diagnosed by measuring the mother's uterus, with the fundal height being less than it should be for that stage of the pregnancy. If IUGR is suspected, the mother will be sent for an ultrasound to confirm.

Causes

Causes of IUGR include:

• Multiple pregnancies (e.g. twins or triplets)
• Placental problems
• Chromosomal abnormalities
• Infections such as rubella, cytomegalovirus, toxoplasmosis or syphilis
• Environmental factors such as poor nutrition, smoking, drug addiction or alcohol abuse

Treatment

Treatment of IUGR depends (obviously) on the causes of IUGR.

Possible treatments include the early induction of labour.

External links

• MedlinePlus (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001500.htm)