Unraveling Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR): What You Need to Know
Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR), also known as Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR), is one such complication where a baby's size doesn't meet the expected standards, or their growth slows or halts during pregnancy.
In this article, we'll explore the causes, risk factors, implications, and steps you can take if you encounter this situation.
Decoding FGR Causes
FGR often occurs when the placenta struggles to provide the baby with the necessary nutrients for healthy growth.
Unfortunately, the exact reasons behind FGR aren't always clear.
In some instances, it can be triggered by other factors, such as chromosomal abnormalities or infections like cytomegalovirus or toxoplasmosis.
Understanding the Risk Factors
Certain factors can increase the likelihood of FGR:
History of Small Babies, Pre-Eclampsia, or Stillbirth: If you've had any of these experiences in previous pregnancies, your risk may be higher.
Complications During Current Pregnancy: Especially if you've experienced heavy bleeding, it could raise the risk of FGR.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions: Conditions like high blood pressure, kidney problems, or heart disease can contribute.
Lifestyle Choices: Smoking, alcohol consumption, or using illegal/recreational drugs can elevate your risk.
If you experience any bleeding during your pregnancy, with or without pain, don't hesitate to consult your healthcare provider.
What FGR Means for Your Baby
FGR can introduce complexities during pregnancy, including the unfortunate risk of stillbirth. However, your healthcare team will closely monitor your baby's growth and well-being to minimize this risk.
They'll also discuss the ideal timing for your delivery, which may be earlier than your initially expected due date.
Being born prematurely and smaller than average may lead to post-birth complications such as a higher risk of high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes, or thyroid disease in later life.
In some cases, your baby might require specialized care in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). It's essential to note that, despite these early challenges, your baby's long-term growth will likely align with that of other children their age.
Reducing the Risk: What You Can Do
While some risk factors for having a small baby can't be changed, you can take steps to minimize the risk:
Quit Smoking: Smoking cessation is vital for reducing the risk of complications.
Vitamin D Supplementation: Ensure you're getting enough vitamin D, which can support your baby's growth.
Healthy Diet: Maintain a balanced, nutritious diet throughout your pregnancy.
Avoid Alcohol and Illegal/Recreational Drugs: These substances can pose risks to your baby's development.
Manage Your Weight: Maintain a healthy weight before and during pregnancy, as excessive weight can lead to high blood pressure, which may impact your baby's growth.
Limit Caffeine: Keep your caffeine intake below 200 milligrams (equivalent to 2 mugs of instant coffee) per day.
Monitoring Your Baby's Growth
Monitoring your baby's growth is a crucial aspect of managing FGR.
If you have no identified risk factors, your midwife will start measuring your bump from 24 weeks during routine antenatal appointments.
This measurement, using a tape measure from the top of the uterus to your pubic bone, is plotted on a growth chart in your maternity record.
If concerns arise from this measurement, you'll be referred for an ultrasound scan within 72 hours, although it doesn't necessarily indicate a problem.
If you have risk factors, ultrasound scans will monitor your baby's growth instead of using a tape measure.
Depending on your medical history, you might also undergo an ultrasound scan to assess the blood flow to your placenta, typically performed between 20 and 24 weeks of pregnancy.
Addressing Concerns and Seeking Help
Remember, every pregnancy is unique, and baby bumps come in various shapes and sizes.
Try not to compare yours with others.
If you're worried about your baby's growth, don't hesitate to reach out to your midwife at any time.
What If Your Baby Is Small or Not Growing?
If your healthcare provider suspects FGR, they'll refer you for an ultrasound scan to assess your baby's growth.
Additional tests, such as umbilical artery Doppler and assessment of the amniotic fluid, may also be conducted to ensure your baby's well-being.
Depending on the findings, your healthcare team will determine how to proceed, which may involve more frequent monitoring or discussions about the timing of your delivery.
Looking Ahead: How FGR Affects Childbirth
In many cases, women who wish to have a vaginal birth can still do so if there are no other complications.
However, giving birth early is often recommended.
The timing depends on your baby's condition, and some babies may be too small for a vaginal delivery, necessitating a caesarean section.
Your healthcare professional will provide guidance on the best approach for your specific situation.
In certain instances, delivering at a hospital with a specialized baby unit, such as the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), might be advised.
This is particularly relevant if your baby is very small and born prematurely. While not all small babies require NICU care, it's essential to be prepared for various scenarios.
The Impact on Future Pregnancies
If you plan to get pregnant again, the risk of having another small baby is slightly higher, but lifestyle adjustments can help mitigate this risk.
These include avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, abstaining from alcohol and illegal drugs, especially cocaine, and managing any underlying health conditions effectively.
While concerns about future pregnancies are understandable, rest assured that your healthcare team will closely monitor you during your next pregnancy, tailored to your specific risk factors.
I had an ultrasound done at 24 weeks and 6 days and they determined the baby is 7% in growth witch means there’s the chance of fetal growth restriction and they are making me do ultrasounds every two weeks
Are there any mothers who had the same thing with there baby and they ended up growing and being above the 10% or did they stay failure to thrive the entire time and if they did how early did you have to deliver?
My last pregnancy my daughter got diagnosed with it but I was 34 weeks at the time so it was no where near this early so I’m hoping maybe she will grow pass it
I have had 4 babies all growth restricted or iugr which is intrauterine growth restriction 2 delivered 35 weeks 2 delivered 37 weeks all stayed growth restricted all fine no nicu or stay in the hospital smallest was my last born 4lbs went home the next day all Gained weight fine once out weights were 5.3 5.1 4lb3 4lbs all tuned out to be very healthy chunky babies later also caught in like the 24 to 27 weeks but pregnancy still progressed just never delivered past 37 weeks
27 Mar 2024
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Courtney
What state are you in? I had my first daughter in Minnesota and they require a baby to be 6 pounds before they can leave the hospital. We now live in Colorado and I believe my hospital requires the same. Minnesota they don’t do nicu for babies with low birth but here they are very extreme about it witch sucks. They find any reason to have a baby early so I’m afraid things won’t improve and they will make me have her at like 30/35 weeks
27 Mar 2024
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Kaitlyn
29 Nov 2023
Has anyone’s baby had gastroschisis with fetal growth restriction? Or just fetal growth restrictions? My baby was measuring 1 pound 3 ounces at 26 weeks and they said there’s still chance of still birth which is why I gotta go twice a week at 28 weeks instead of once a week. I been so worried 😩
I’ve been where you are. My daughter has IUGR aka FGR and she is measuring 3.5 lbs at 34 weeks. Pray and don’t give up. I also have placenta dysfunction
It can change overnight trust me
27 Mar 2024
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Kaitlyn
I’m sorry I hope your baby comes out perfect! Do u have to give birth at 37 weeks? That’s what I was told because there’s a higher chance or still birth after 37 weeks since it’s so small
27 Mar 2024
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Kierstin
30 Sep 2023
induction date is October 12th ♥️ i said the entire time i didn't want to be induced unless there was a medical reason. of course the babe was normal and average with everything up until the 36 week growth scan where he got diagnosed with fetal growth restriction. i think he's just following my footsteps (i was a five pound baby) prayers for my dude to be healthy and happy. i'm excited to meet him in less than two weeks but also, still doesn't feel real lol.
Fetal Growth restriction? Is it called Polyhydramnios?
27 Mar 2024
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Shaee
16 Aug 2023
Is anyone else dealing with FGR (fetal growth restriction)? I'm 24 and this is my first baby. She has been measuring in the 10th percentile while her abdomen is measuring in the 9th percentile. At 29 weeks she was measuring 2lbs 14oz.
I'm 24 & in the 10 percentile too.
They're not exactly sure why. I had covid around Valentines & they said that there is a link with covid & small babies. They also said it could be genetic or the placenta isn't viable. My preclamica/glutose test came back normal but they said the placenta may not be viable. They told me that his abdomen and head were a little on the smaller smaller side but there's no physical defects so it has nothing to do with the baby himself.
They're having me do a growth ultrasound once every two weeks and AFI's twice weekly. Because the baby is small; they plan to schedule a date to induce me at 36 weeks for 39-39 weeks. I just found out. But they're gonna start the process sooner if they see any signs of stress.
Do they know why your baby is small? Have they tested you for preclamica yet? How did your glutose test go? Did they talk to you about inducing you yet? How often are they doing growths & AFI's for you?
27 Mar 2024
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Shaee
They are saying my placenta isn't working properly. They said they are worried about it giving out. I am going to high risk ultrasounds once a week as well as my OB appointments. They haven't scheduled a date yet but they want to induce me around 38 weeks. I passed my glucose test with flying colors. They said I have all the signs of preeclampsia so I'm not 100% sure on that they are just monitoring me really well. I've been on light duty since 12 weeks because of all the complications I was having and now I've been on bed rest since 28 weeks until I give birth.
27 Mar 2024
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Victoria
22 Jul 2023
I will be 24 weeks Tuesday I just got diagnosed with fetal growth restriction has anyone else had this early I’m in the 6th percentile rage. High risk appts every 2 weeks now!
I was like that with my first born I was induced when he hit 5 pounds but don’t worry everything will be ok
27 Mar 2024
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Poohdah
how many weeks were u when u had em?
27 Mar 2024
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Leann
19 Apr 2023
So who has heard of intrauterine growth restriction ? I’m being sent to high risk ultrasound and they have also changed my appointments to 2 times a week
I haven’t been induced yet , but my baby has FGR .. they’re currently doing weekly scans to see if baby will catch up if not they will talk about early induction.
27 Mar 2024
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Shay
Yes same. I go in Friday to get measured again and If she hasn’t then they will discuss induction. How many weeks are you?
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