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Intrauterine growth restriction
Alternate Names : Intrauterine growth retardation, IUGR
Definition
Intrauterine growth restriction refers to the poor growth of a baby while in the womb. Specifically, it refers to a fetus whose weight is below the 10th percentile for its gestational age.
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Many different things can lead to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). An unborn baby may not get enough nutrition because of: - Heart disease in the mother
- High altitudes
- Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.)
- Placenta problems
- Preeclampsia or eclampsia
Congenital or chromosomal abnormalities are often associated with below-normal weight. Infections during pregnancy that affect the fetus, such as rubella, cytomegalovirus, toxoplasmosis, and syphilis may also affect the weight of the developing baby. Risk factors in the mother that may contribute to IUGR include: - Alcohol abuse
- Drug addiction
- High blood pressure or heart disease
- Poor nutrition
- Smoking
If the mother is small, it may be normal for her to have a small fetus, but this is not due to IUGR. Depending on the cause of IUGR, the fetus may be symmetrically small, or have a head that is normal size for gestational age, while the remainder of the fetus is growth restricted.
Pictures & Images
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Ultrasound, normal fetus - abdomen measurements
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Ultrasound, normal fetus - arm and legs
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Ultrasound, normal fetus - face
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Ultrasound, normal fetus - femur measurement
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Ultrasound, normal fetus - foot
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Ultrasound, normal fetus - head measurements
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Ultrasound, normal fetus - arms and legs
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Ultrasound, normal fetus - profile view
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Ultrasound, normal fetus - spine and ribs
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Ultrasound, normal fetus - ventricles of brain
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 See all Pictures & Images
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Jump To Another Page
- Intrauterine growth restriction : Definition
- Intrauterine growth restriction : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Intrauterine growth restriction : Symptoms & Signs
- Intrauterine growth restriction : Diagnosis & Tests
- Intrauterine growth restriction : Treatment
- Intrauterine growth restriction : Prognosis (Expectations)
- Intrauterine growth restriction : Complications
- Intrauterine growth restriction : Calling Your Health Care Provider
- Intrauterine growth restriction : Prevention
- Intrauterine growth restriction : References
- Intrauterine growth restriction : Pictures & Images
- Ultrasound, normal fetus - abdomen measurements
- Ultrasound, normal fetus - arm and legs
- Ultrasound, normal fetus - face
- Ultrasound, normal fetus - femur measurement
- Ultrasound, normal fetus - foot
- Ultrasound, normal fetus - head measurements
- Ultrasound, normal fetus - arms and legs
- Ultrasound, normal fetus - profile view
- Ultrasound, normal fetus - spine and ribs
- Ultrasound, normal fetus - ventricles of brain
Review Date : 2/19/2009
Reviewed By : Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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