The medical term “fetal growth restriction” refers to a condition where a baby still in the womb is smaller than it should be based on averages and accepted standards. Slow growth in the womb puts the child at risk during the pregnancy, during delivery and afterwards, these potential problems include, but are not limited to:
* Difficulties in dealing with a vaginal delivery
* Lower than acceptable levels of oxygen
* Low blood sugar
* Failure to pass tests given immediately after birth which are used to evaluate the physical condition of the infant
In many cases, fetal growth restriction leads to stillbirth. There are a number of reasons for FGR, many of which are the result of health problems suffered by the mother.
* Diabetes and high blood pressure
* Infections from syphilis, rubella and others
* Malnutrition
* Drug abuse, alcoholism or excessive smoking
Diagnosis of Fetal Growth Restriction:
There are numerous ways that a doctor can estimate the size of the baby during pregnancy. The most common method employed is for the doctor to simply measure from the top of the woman’s uterus to her pubic bone. Once the pregnancy has advanced past 20 weeks this dimension, given in cm corresponds nicely with the number of weeks the woman is pregnant. Dimensions which are lower than expected often indicate the fetus is not growing at the expected rate.
Although FGR cannot be reversed there are things that the expectant mother can do to improve the chances of a healthy baby. The mother should try to get as much bed rest as possible and improve her diet. If the doctor is of the opinion that the baby is in danger he or she may opt to deliver the baby early and because the stress of delivery may be too much, often the delivery is carried out through cesarian section. Browse website for more valuable information.
