Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) refers to the poor growth of a baby while in the mother's womb during pregnancy. Specifically, it means the developing baby weights less than 90% of other babies at the same gestational age.

Intrauterine growth retardation; IUGR

Many different things can lead to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). An unborn baby may not get enough oxygen and nutrition from the placenta during pregnancy because of:

• High altitudes
• Multiple pregnancy (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 developing baby, 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
• Clotting disorders
• Drug addiction
• High blood pressure or heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Poor nutrition
• Smoking

If the mother is small, it may be normal for her the baby to be small, but this is not due to IUGR.

Depending on the cause of IUGR, the developing baby may be symmetrically small, or have a head that is normal size for gestational age, while the remainder of it's body is small.

Images

Ultrasound, normal fetus - face

Ultrasound, normal fetus - spine and ribs

Ultrasound, normal fetus - head measurements

Ultrasound, normal fetus - arm and legs

Ultrasound, normal fetus - foot

Ultrasound, normal fetus - ventricles of brain

Ultrasound, normal fetus - femur measurement

Ultrasound, normal fetus - arms and legs

Ultrasound, normal fetus - profile view

Ultrasound, normal fetus - abdomen measurements

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Intrauterine growth restriction Symptoms

Review Date: 11/21/2010
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.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)