What Causes Fetal Growth Restriction?
Fetal growth restriction, also known as intrauterine growth restriction, occurs when the fetus is not growing as expected.1 A common cause of fetal growth restriction is placental insufficiencies, which happen when the placenta is not providing enough essential nutrients to the fetus for it to grow normally.1 The placenta is an organ that develops in the mother’s uterus during pregnancy and provides oxygen and nutrients to the fetus. The placenta is delivered after the baby is born.2 Other causes of fetal growth restriction include abnormal chromosomes, maternal infections or health conditions, substance abuse, and pregnancy at high altitude.1
How to Check for Fetal Growth Restriction
Because most mothers do not experience symptoms of fetal growth restriction, it may be hard to tell if your unborn child has it. If you notice signs including poor maternal weight gain, hypertension, and reduced fetal activity, please see your health care provider immediately. Your care provider may order a fetal ultrasound.1 A fetal ultrasound is a test that uses reflected sound waves to produce a picture of the fetus, and it is the safest way to check for problems with your pregnancy.3 You can either get a transabdominal ultrasound, during which a small hand-held device is moved over your belly, or a transvaginal ultrasound, in which the same device is inserted into your vagina.3 Through the ultrasound, your doctor can check the estimated fetal weight by measuring its body parts.1
How Does Fetal Growth Restriction Affect Your Baby?
A baby that is deemed small for gestational age has a birth weight below the 10th percentile for their gestational age. It is important to note that a baby who is small for gestational age may not necessarily have fetal growth restrictions.1 For example, a newborn with normal expected growth may be small for gestational age because their parents are small. Fetal growth restriction, on the other hand, is when a baby fails to reach his or her growth potential.
Most babies that are born with fetal growth restriction are able to do well after delivery and can eventually reach a normal weight after their first year of life.1
If your baby is suspected to have fetal growth restriction, you may need to consult with your doctor about your options for giving birth. Growth-restricted babies may not be able to tolerate labour well, so a Cesarean section may be the best method for your child.1 Babies with severe early-onset fetal growth restriction may even need to undergo a classical Cesarean section, or a vertical uterine incision.1 Your baby may also need to stay in the neonatal intensive care unit or go through some post-natal testing through your hospital to determine why their growth was restricted.1
How to Prevent and Treat Fetal Growth Restriction
Fetal growth restriction can happen in any pregnancy, but it may still be helpful to take some precautionary measures so that your unborn child grows as much as they can. Be sure to follow a healthy pregnancy diet to ensure that you and the baby in your belly are getting enough nutrients. Avoid using substances like cigarettes and alcohol while pregnant. Trying a light prenatal exercise routine can also be beneficial for you and your baby’s health. Self-care is important, especially when you are carrying a child, so try to take some time each day to focus on your own well-being.