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A baby with fetal growth restriction (FGR) is one who is smaller than expected or whose growth stops or slows down during pregnancy. It is also known as intrauterine growth limitation (IUGR).
Babies who are smaller than anticipated are typically healthy. However, FGR may have an impact on up to 10% of pregnancies, necessitating strict monitoring during pregnancy. Sometimes the mother may have to deliver the baby sooner than planned.
What is Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR)?
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) (gestational age) occurs when a fetus is smaller than expected for the number of weeks of pregnancy. It is frequently referred to as an estimated weight below the 10th percentile. This indicates that the infant weighs less than nine out of ten children of the same gestational age. During pregnancy, FGR can start at any time. The baby doesn't grow well when FGR is present. Both the baby's total size and the development of its organs, tissues, and cells may be impacted by FGR. This may lead to a number of issues.
Cause of FGR
Any abnormality in the placenta prior to birth is the most typical cause of FGR (the tissue that carries oxygen, food, and blood to the baby). FGR can also be due to genetic problems and birth abnormalities.
The fetus may also experience FGR if the mother:
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Is susceptible to infection.
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Has high blood pressure.
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Is suffering from a kidney-related disease.
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Has a heart condition.
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Has sickle cell anemia.
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Is diagnosed with diabetes before pregnancy.
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Has smoking habits.
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Consumes alcohol.
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Abuses drugs.
FGR can occasionally be caused by maternal intake of certain medications. FGR is also more common in newborns who have genetic disorders like Down syndrome.
The following factors in the baby may result in FGR:
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Being a twin, triplet, or many
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Infections
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Birth defects such as heart defects.
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Problems with genes or chromosomes.
What Increases the Risk of FGR?
There are a number of factors that can raise the risk of FGR. The most common risk factors are:
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If the mother has already experienced pre-eclampsia, a stillbirth, or has a small baby.
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If she belongs to the age group of 35 years or above.
Consult with the best doctor to know more about fetal growth restriction in Mangalore.
Symptoms of FGR
FGR symptoms don't appear in pregnant women. However, a new-born with FGR may exhibit specific symptoms later on, such as:
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Low birth weight
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Low level of blood sugar.
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Low body temperature
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Increased levels of red blood cells.
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Reduced Immunity
What can be Done to Reduce the Risk of FGR?
Some factors that enhance the chance of having a small baby are unavoidable. However, there are several steps that may be done to reduce the risk, such as:
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Stop smoking
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Intake of vitamin D.
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Intake of a balanced diet.
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Quit alcohol consumption.
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Not using illegal or recreational drugs.
Keeping a healthy weight both before and during pregnancy can be beneficial, as being overweight increases the risk of FGR. Women should limit their daily caffeine intake to 200 mg, as excessive caffeine consumption during pregnancy may result in FGR.
Diagnosis of FGR
Making sure the baby is developing normally is one of the key goals of routine prenatal check-ups. There are several methods for estimating the baby's size during pregnancy, including:
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Fetal Ultrasound
It is the most accurate approach to determining FGR that involves weight estimation. Images of the unborn child in the womb are produced by ultrasound using sound waves that do not cause any harm to the mother or the baby. The photos will be used to measure the baby by a technician or member of your healthcare team. The discrepancy between measurements taken at a certain gestational age and those predicted is used to make the diagnosis of FGR.
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Doppler Ultrasound
It measures the amount of blood flowing to the placenta and to the infant through the umbilical cord. Reduced blood flow could indicate that your baby has FGR.
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Fundal Height
The fetal medicine expert in Mangalore measures from the top of your pubic bone to the top of your uterus to determine the fundal height (fundus). The number of weeks in pregnancy after the 20th week is approximately equal to the fundal height, expressed in centimeters (cm). For instance, the fundal height should be roughly 24 cm at 24 weeks gestation. It may indicate FGR if the fundal height is lower than anticipated.
Management of FGR
The management of FGR is based on the ultrasound (estimated fetal weight), Doppler ultrasound (blood flow to the baby), risk factors, and gestational week. The treatment includes:
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Regular monitoring
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Tracking fetal movements.
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Use of corticosteroid medicines to hasten lung maturity of the fetus in case of preterm delivery.
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Hospital stay
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Early delivery and emergency cesarean.
Prevention from FGR
FGR is possible during any pregnancy. However, several things like drinking alcohol, using drugs, or smoking increase the chance of FGR. FGR and other issues can be avoided with regular and early prenatal care, a good diet, and gradual weight gain.
KMC Hospital Mangalore
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