Stunting of fetal development. Newborns weighing less than 5 pounds and measuring less than 18 inches in length are considered to have intrauterine growth retardation (lUGR). This condition is usually caused by problems limiting the ability of the placenta to deliver nutrients to the fetus. Intrauterine growth retardation is associated with severe preeclampsia, high blood pressure, hemorrhage, placenta previa, heart disease, diabetes mellitus, malnutrition, and drug and alcohol abuse during pregnancy.
A decreased rate of fetal growth; most commonly related to inadequate placental perfusion resulting from pre-existing or coexisting maternal or placental factors. The infant’s birth weight is below the 10th percentile on the intrauterine growth curve for the calculated gestation period.
Impaired fetal development, occurring within the uterus, is referred to as intrauterine growth retardation. This condition typically arises due to insufficient nutrient provision by the placenta, often linked to pre-eclampsia, or occasionally due to fetal abnormalities. Maternal conditions like chronic kidney failure can also diminish fetal growth. Additionally, maternal smoking during pregnancy can lead to reduced growth and birth weight. Fetal issues, including intrauterine infections or genetic disorders, can further hinder proper growth.
Antenatal assessment might raise suspicions of intrauterine growth retardation, prompting the consideration of conducting ultrasound scans to evaluate the issue.
If feasible, the root cause is addressed. If the infant’s growth shows signs of deceleration, initiating labor or opting for a caesarean section might become necessary. The majority of babies whose growth was hindered in the womb tend to gain weight swiftly post-delivery. Yet, if the cause was an intrauterine infection or genetic disorder, inadequate growth might persist beyond birth.