What is intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)?
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a term used to describe a condition in which the fetus is smaller than expected for the number of weeks of pregnancy. Another term for IUGR is fetal growth restriction. Newborn babies with IUGR are often described as small for gestational age (SGA).

A fetus with IUGR often has an estimated fetal weight less than the 10th percentile. This means that the fetus weighs less than 90 percent of all other fetuses of the same gestational age. A fetus with IUGR also may be born at term (after 37 weeks of pregnancy) or prematurely (before 37 weeks).

Newborn babies with IUGR often appear thin, pale, and have loose, dry skin. The umbilical cord is often thin and dull-looking rather than shiny and fat. Babies with IUGR sometimes have a wide-eyed look. Some babies do not have this malnourished appearance but are small all-over.

What causes intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)?

Intrauterine growth restriction results when a problem or abnormality prevents cells and tissues from growing or causes cells to decrease in size. This may occur when the fetus does not receive the necessary nutrients and oxygen needed for growth and development of organs and tissues, or because of infection. Although some babies are small because of genetics (their parents are small), most IUGR is due to other causes. Some factors that may contribute to IUGR include the following:

Maternal factors :-

• high blood pressure
• chronic kidney disease
• advanced diabetes
• heart or respiratory disease
• malnutrition, anemia
• infection
• substance abuse (alcohol, drugs)
• cigarette smoking

Factors involving the uterus and placenta:

• decreased blood flow in the uterus and placenta
• placental abruption (placenta detaches from the uterus)
• placenta previa (placenta attaches low in the uterus)
•  infection in the tissues around the fetus

Factors related to the developing baby (fetus):

• multiple gestation (twins, triplets, etc.)
• infection
• birth defects
• chromosomal abnormality

Treatment for IUGR:
Although it is not possible to reverse IUGR, some treatments may help slow or minimize the effects. Specific treatments for IUGR will be determined by your physician based on:

• your pregnancy, overall health, and medical history
• the extent of the disease
• your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
• expectations for the course of the disease
• your opinion or preference

Treatments may include:

• nutrition
  Some studies have shown that increasing maternal nutrition may increase gestational weight gain and fetal growth.
   
• bedrest
  Bedrest in the hospital or at home may help improve circulation to the fetus.
   
• delivery
  If IUGR endangers the health of the fetus, then an early delivery may be necessary.