Intrauterine growth restriction
Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) (pronounced: in-truh-YOO-ter-in growth re-STRICK-shun) is a condition where a baby's growth is compromised and fails to reach its genetic potential size in the womb.
Etymology
The term "Intrauterine" is derived from Latin, where "intra" means within, and "uterus" means womb. "Growth restriction" refers to the inhibited development of the fetus.
Definition
Intrauterine Growth Restriction is a condition that occurs when an unborn baby is smaller than it should be because it is not growing at a normal rate inside the womb. This condition can lead to various health problems for the baby, including low birth weight, difficulty handling the stresses of vaginal delivery, decreased oxygen levels, hypoglycemia, and a higher risk of neonatal morbidity and mortality.
Causes
The causes of IUGR can be many and varied. They can be related to maternal, fetal or placental factors. Maternal factors can include malnutrition, anemia, and chronic diseases such as hypertension and renal disease. Fetal factors can include genetic disorders, congenital malformations, and multiple gestations. Placental factors can include placental insufficiency, which is an inability of the placenta to deliver adequate nutrients and oxygen to the fetus.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of IUGR is typically made through prenatal ultrasound, which can measure the baby's size and estimate its weight. Other diagnostic tests may include Doppler flow studies to assess blood flow in the umbilical artery, and amniocentesis to detect chromosomal abnormalities.
Treatment
Treatment for IUGR aims to manage the underlying cause, if possible, and to ensure the baby's health and survival. This may involve close monitoring of the baby's growth and well-being, delivery if the baby's health is at risk, and care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) after birth.
Related Terms
- Fetal growth restriction (FGR)
- Small for gestational age (SGA)
- Placental insufficiency
- Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
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