Why is intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) a concern?
IUGR can begin at any time in pregnancy. Early-onset IUGR is often due to chromosomal abnormalities, maternal disease, or severe problems with the placenta. Late-onset growth restriction (after 32 weeks) is usually related to other problems. With IUGR, the growth of the baby’s overall body and organs are limited, and tissue and organ cells may not grow as large or as numerous. When there is not enough blood flow through the placenta, the fetus may only receive low amounts of oxygen. This can cause the fetal heart rate to decrease placing the baby at great risk. Babies with IUGR may have problems at birth including: Decreased oxygen levels Low Apgar scores (an assessment that helps identify babies with difficulty adapting after delivery) Meconium aspiration (inhalation of the first stools passed in utero), which can lead to difficulty breathing Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) Difficulty maintaining normal body temperature Polycythemia (too many red blood cells) Severe IUGR may result in
