Those born early or who are very small at birth are more likely to need to stay in the hospital for a longer time. They also might need special care in the neonatal intensive care unit the NICU. If your baby might have IUGR, follow your doctor's advice and go to all prenatal visits and testing appointments.
This helps your doctor see how your baby is developing and growing. Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. This can happen if there is a problem with: the placenta, the tissue that brings nutrients and oxygen to the developing baby the blood flow in the umbilical cord, which connects the baby to the placenta Intrauterine growth restriction also can happen if a pregnant woman: smokes , drinks alcohol , or uses drugs has an infection, such as cytomegalovirus , German measles rubella , toxoplasmosis , or syphilis takes some types of medicines, such as some seizure treatments has a medical condition such as lupus , anemia , or clotting problems has high blood pressure hypertension is carrying a baby that has a genetic disorder or birth defect is pregnant with multiples such as twins or triplets How Is IUGR Diagnosed?
If they think a baby has IUGR, doctors also might do such tests as: fetal monitoring to track the baby's heart rate and movements screening the mother for infections that could affect the baby amniocentesis to look for genetic causes of IUGR and sometimes to help them see how mature the baby's lungs are How Is IUGR Treated? What Problems Can Happen? Other problems that can be related to intrauterine growth restriction include: problems with breathing and feeding trouble keeping a steady body temperature abnormal blood cell counts low blood sugar level hypoglycemia problems fighting off infections neurological problems The long-term effects of IUGR on a baby may depend on the condition that caused the problem.
Take good care of yourself by: eating a healthy diet getting enough sleep avoiding alcohol, drugs, and tobacco. If your baby has problems during labor, a cesarean section also called a C section may be safer.
Generally, no. IUGR usually doesn't occur in another pregnancy. But in some women, it does happen again. Good control of illnesses before and during pregnancy lowers the risk of having another baby with IUGR. Probably, especially if your baby was born early. Babies who are small at birth need to stay in the hospital until they can breathe and feed normally. After your baby is born, the doctor will check your baby's weight to make sure the baby is growing.
Generally, babies stay in the hospital until they weigh about 5 pounds. Your baby will probably catch up in size and have a normal height by about two years of age.
The best way to help your baby is to pay attention to your baby's movements. Make sure your baby is moving every day. A baby who moves around often is usually healthy.
A baby who doesn't move very often or who stops moving may be sick. If you notice your baby isn't moving as much, call your doctor. Another way you can help your baby is to get a lot of rest. Rest may help you feel better. It may even help your baby grow.
Try to get eight hours of sleep or more each night. An hour or two of rest in the afternoon is also good for you. Your doctor may even want you to go to the hospital to make sure you rest. The hospital staff will keep a close eye on you and your baby. Finally, if you smoke, drink alcohol or use drugs, stop now. These things can hurt your baby.
This may be all that is needed to improve your baby's health, as well as your own. Already a member or subscriber? Log in. Interested in AAFP membership? Learn more. This handout is provided to you by your family doctor and the American Academy of Family Physicians. This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone.
Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject. This content is owned by the AAFP. A person viewing it online may make one printout of the material and may use that printout only for his or her personal, non-commercial reference.
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Contact afpserv aafp. Babies with this problem are often diagnosed with IUGR before birth. This measurement in centimeters often links with the number of weeks of pregnancy after the 20th week. If the measurement is low for the number of weeks, then the baby may be smaller than expected. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.
Babies with this problem may be physically more mature than their small size would suggest. But they may be weak and less able to take large feedings or stay warm. Treatment may include:. Babies who are also premature may have other needs. They may need oxygen and a breathing machine ventilator. Babies who are small for gestational age or who have IUGR may have problems at birth.
These can include:. Breathing in the first stools meconium passed in the womb. This can cause breathing problems. Prenatal care is important in all pregnancies. For a healthy pregnancy, stop smoking if you smoke, and don't use drugs or alcohol while you are pregnant.
Eating a healthy diet during pregnancy may also help. Small for gestational age means a baby is smaller than expected for the number of weeks of pregnancy. When the unborn baby does not get enough oxygen or nutrients during pregnancy, they don't grow as much as normal.
It is especially helpful to see any growth problems of the developing baby. At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you for your child. Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help your child. Also know what the side effects are.
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