Intrauterine Growth Retardation: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Explained

Intrauterine Growth Retardation (IUGR) is a dangerous condition when the foetus does not develop at a normal rate in the mother’s womb during the pregnancy period; thus, the baby ends up being smaller than it should be according to the gestational age (number of weeks of pregnancy).

The weight of a foetus with IUGR is usually less than the 10th percentile, which means that it is lighter than 90 per cent of the babies at that gestational age. By diagnosing this condition early, doctors get the opportunity to plan the right approaches to treatment that will alleviate the risk of early labour, low birth weight, or post-delivery complications.

The condition in which the baby is not fully grown in the womb is called Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR), and it is estimated to occur in about 5 per cent of pregnancies. The condition can be a result of maternal, foetal, placental or genetic issues. Signs and risk factors that might lead to these problems are:

Maternal Causes:

• High blood pressure or pre-eclampsia limits the flow of blood to the infant.

• Malnutrition and lack of essential nutrients slow down the growth of the fetus.

• Smoking and alcohol are harmful substances that pass through the placenta and affect fetal development.

• Chronic diseases such as diabetes and kidney disorders.

• Certain medications, such as some seizure control medicines, may affect fetal growth.

Placental Causes:

• The placenta may fail to supply adequate oxygen and nutrients to the baby.

• Conditions like placenta previa reduce blood flow to the fetus, causing nutrient deficiency.

Fetal Causes:

• Genetic abnormalities, including chromosomal conditions such as Down syndrome.

• Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets) increase chances of limited growth due to shared nutrition.

• Intrauterine infections such as rubella or cytomegalovirus that interrupt normal fetal development.

The most noticeable symptoms of fetal growth restriction are small fetal size and low fetal weight. Sometimes, the mother’s uterus also appears smaller than expected during pregnancy. These indications are often detected during routine ultrasound scans. Babies with developmental restrictions may also show certain symptoms before and after birth:

Maternal Symptoms:

• A belly size that appears smaller than expected for the stage of pregnancy.

• Slow increase in fundal height (distance from pubic bone to the top of the uterus).

• Reduced fetal movements noticed by the mother.

Baby Symptoms (Post-Birth):

• Low birth weight — noticeably below the average for gestational age.

• Weakness at birth and difficulty gaining weight.

• Low blood sugar and trouble maintaining body temperature, requiring close monitoring.

These signs indicate that the baby may need additional medical support after delivery.

Regular prenatal (before birth) care is necessary to check the growth and development of a baby. An obstetrician can usually identify fetal growth restriction in the course of normal prenatal check-ups. The testing that can help to confirm IUGR may involve:

• Ultrasound scans: Able to study the anatomy and give the dimensions of the baby, and are considered the best test for FGR diagnosis.
• Doppler studies: Show the blood flow from the placenta through the umbilical cord to the baby.
• Fundal height measurements: Indicate the number of centimetres from the pubic bone to the top of the uterus. A lower measurement may suggest fetal growth restriction.
• Observation of fetal movements: A decrease in the number of kicks may show growth problems.

These tests allow doctors to monitor growth patterns and plan timely interventions if needed.

Therapy for intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) depends on the severity of the condition, gestational age, and the baby’s overall health. The primary aim is to ensure that the foetus continues to receive the best possible nourishment and oxygen while monitoring for any signs of distress.

Maternal Lifestyle Changes:

• Balanced nutrition — ensuring adequate proteins, vitamins, and minerals to support fetal growth.

• Avoiding smoking, alcohol, and harmful substances, preventing them from crossing the placenta and affecting the fetus.

• Adequate rest and stress management to improve blood flow to the developing baby.

Medical Management:

• Close medical follow-up with frequent ultrasounds and check-ups to assess fetal growth and well-being.

• Treating maternal health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes to reduce risk factors.

• Administration of steroids to promote fetal lung maturity if early delivery appears necessary.

Delivery Options:

• Induced labour may be recommended if signs of fetal distress are detected.

• Caesarean delivery is considered when vaginal birth poses risk to the baby’s safety.

• Timely decision-making by doctors to balance the risk of prematurity with the dangers of continuing a restricted pregnancy.

If the following signs are observed by pregnant women, then medical advice must be sought immediately:

• Little or no belly growth: When the baby bump doesn’t grow or grows very slowly.
• Reduced fetal movement: The baby’s movements get slower and less frequent over time.
• Severe swelling or high blood pressure: Notably swollen hands and feet or very high BP.
• Unusual pain or bleeding: Unexplained abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding.

The most effective way to ensure that IUGR will be treated well and promptly is to correctly and promptly report symptoms to a doctor.

The condition of Intrauterine Growth Retardation has many facets, and thus, it needs detailed investigation, watchfulness, and proper administration at all times during pregnancy. Learning the main causes, identifying symptoms, and early medical intervention are definitely the right moves at the right time, which will bring out better health for both mother and baby.

For the expert advice and safe handling of Intrauterine Growth Restriction and other pregnancy-related issues, visit MatCare. At MatCare, the specialists offer complete support for IUGR-affected pregnancies, providing not only the most advanced diagnostic instruments but also individualised monitoring and fertility-oriented care to ensure the safety of both the mother and the child.