WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Monitoring Fetal Growth Restriction

Pregnancy
Pregnancy follow-up
Monitoring Fetal Growth Restriction
A Quick Peek into Fetal Growth Restriction
We know you're doing everything you can to keep your baby healthy.
But let's talk about something a bit more serious today—Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR).
This happens when your little munchkin isn't growing at the normal rate inside your womb.
Now, don't panic!
Knowing is half the battle, and the other half is understanding what you can do about it.
  • What is it?: FGR is a condition where a baby's growth is significantly less than 90% of other babies at the same gestational age.
  • Causes: Factors like maternal health, poor nutrition, and placental issues can contribute to FGR.
  • Importance of Monitoring: Regular check-ups can catch this condition early on, making intervention possible.
Spotting the Signs and Diagnosis
Now, if you're wondering how to spot this condition, we've got you covered.
Ultrasounds are your best friend here; they can give your healthcare provider valuable insights into your baby's development.
An early clue can often be a smaller fundal height, which is the distance from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus.
If it's smaller than expected for your pregnancy stage, your doctor might recommend more tests.
  • Ultrasound Scans: Usually done between the 18th and 24th week. But if there are concerns, additional scans might be necessary.
  • Doppler Flow: This checks the blood flow in the baby's arteries. Restricted blood flow could indicate FGR.
  • Amniotic Fluid Level: Low levels could also be a sign that your baby isn't growing as they should.
The Path Forward: Treatments and Interventions
Alright, if you've received an FGR diagnosis, take a deep breath. It's not the end of the world, mama!
You and your healthcare team can work together on intervention strategies to help your baby grow.
This might include more frequent check-ups, nutritional adjustments, and even medications.
The goal is to get your baby to a healthy state where they can thrive, inside and outside the womb.
  • Nutritional Boost: Increasing protein and calorie intake can sometimes help.
  • Bed Rest: Some doctors recommend reduced activity or bed rest to improve blood flow to the placenta.
  • Medications: Drugs like antithrombotic agents can be prescribed to improve placental function.
Don't Go It Alone: Support and Community
Dealing with FGR can feel overwhelming, but remember, you're not alone!
Besides your healthcare providers, there's a whole community of moms and experts who've been through it and are brimming with advice and encouragement.
Engage in support groups, both online and offline, and don't shy away from asking questions.
The more you know, the more empowered you'll feel!
  • WeMoms Community: A space to share experiences and tips with other moms-to-be.
  • Consult Multiple Experts: Sometimes a second or even third opinion can provide additional insights.
  • Stay Informed: Read up on scientific papers, journals, and articles to stay ahead of the curve.
Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to the well-being of your future tiny tot.
With early diagnosis and the right interventions, many babies with FGR go on to live healthy, happy lives.
So keep those prenatal appointments and stay engaged with your healthcare team—you've got this, mom!
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Neena 💕✨
25 Jan 2024

Beanie is right on track for growth4lbs! Fetal growth restriction is RESOLVED in the name of Jesus! Blessed and elated we are down to the wire! 🥰😍🥹

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3 comments
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Adrianna
Amen I’m on fetal growth restriction my las appointment she was were she needs to be hopefully she still will be my 32 week appointment next week
27 Mar 2024

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Neena 💕✨
Sending positive vibes and prayers 🩷😘
27 Mar 2024

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Alyssa
7 Dec 2023

I’m 21 weeks and 3 days. At my anatomy scan they diagnosed my baby with fetal growth restriction. She is in the 7th percentile. My placenta and her umbilical cord were working, right size, proper blood flow. At my 15 week ultrasound she was measuring right on track. Any one deal with this and not have any chromosomal issues? All her nips testing came back normal.

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Natalie
They told me my daughter was growth restricted all the way up till delivery. They said she wouldn’t weigh over 4 1/2 pounds. She was a healthy 8 lbs. 5 oz. sometimes they just get it wrong.
27 Mar 2024

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Serana
2 Dec 2023

She spent 16 days in the nicu had to come at 33.3weeks emergency c section cause her ductal vein in her heart was closing in the womb she also had FGR(fetal growth restriction) her growth was 3 weeks behind, she has 2 bradycardia spells A&B spells in the nicu and had to be stimulated out of her first one, I consider her my rainbow baby because i had 2 miscarriages before her and it took a tole on my mental health im lucky i have my baby raven and her dad in my life💕🌈

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Korissa keith
How much did she weigh? I’m measuring 3 weeks behind as well and I’m 34 weeks and 1 day , also with FGR do they do all c-sections or can you have vaginal birth to
27 Mar 2024

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Ny
6 Nov 2023

38 weeks today 🩷. Trying to get this baby out, Im dealing with fetal growth restriction so they wanna induce me this week but I wanna self induce and beat them to it 🥲. I’ve been drinking raspberry leaf tea and so far nada

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5 comments
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Bambi
Walk walk walk. And nipple stimulation. Research it first, just so you know you’re doing it properly. I did for one day it causes contractions so be prepared) and the next day I started early labor and the following day he was born!
27 Mar 2024

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Ny
Thank you so much 🩷 I started walking today I’ll definitely try nipple stimulation. So far after walking I can feel her dropping lower
27 Mar 2024

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Angie
20 Jun 2023

I had a repeat anatomy scan at 28 weeks and was told the baby has fetal growth restriction. She’s 10th percentile overall and 5th percentile in abdominal circumference. So I’ve been doing NSTs (non stress tests) twice a week and umbilical Dopplers once a week until I have her. I also have a repeat growth scan in another three weeks. Anyone else been through this?

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15 comments
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Sarah
I had to do weekly sonograms starting at 34 weeks my baby’s was measuring in the 10th percentile at 34w 8th percentile at 35w by the time I went in for my 38w sonogram and NST I was sent to L&D cuz she was in the 2nd percentile at that point. My placenta was non functioning at this point, placenta got stuck inside of me and was about half the size a Normal placenta is. My baby was 6lbs 3oz and healthy 🙂
27 Mar 2024

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Angie
The doctor said it’s to do with my placenta too. I’m stressing out because I’m just bearly 30 weeks, I feel like that’s so little still. I was told I have to do this until she comes. So happy everything was okay with your baby and that they’re healthy 💕
27 Mar 2024

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Mimi
8 Jun 2023

Has anyone else with twins or singletons went thru your baby have fetal growth restrictions or siugr??

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3 comments
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Sammiexo
Hi. I am 23 weeks and have identical mo/di twins. We found out one of the babies are a candidate for having sFGR where one twin has more of the placenta than the other. So he is smaller than his brother. They say he is healthy and his blood flow is normal. I'll be monitored more frequently now. I am constantly worried and scared but have faith everything will be okay. How are things going with your babies?
27 Mar 2024

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Mimi
Well I don’t want to scare u but my flow it’s well in my fgr baby so they admitted me today gave me the steroid shot nd gonna watch me over the weekend so we shall see nd I have mo/di twin girls if u have any other questions hmu here or direct I wish I had someone to talk to nd don’t google lol it doesn’t help
27 Mar 2024

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Mariah
4 Nov 2022

I recently looked on google about FGR infants and they said often die at or soon after birth I’m so scared I’m crying because they been saying that my baby has Fetal growth restriction I’m so scared all I can do is pray 🙏 this is my first baby boy 👦 , I feel like there’s nothing I can do

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8 comments
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Atavia Freeman
I was told that about my baby and this is my first child also. A little girl💖 baby will be just fine momma. Some babies are just small and that’s ok. As long as baby is doing fine inside of you everything will be ok. God has His hands on your little man! Keep the faith!
27 Mar 2024

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Jennifer
Google can sometimes be your worst enemy. I have a friend that has had FGR with both of her babies. She just had her son a month ago. He was born just slightly over 5lbs but was totally healthy. No nicu, no extra days in the hospital, they just had to do a 2 hour car seat test with him to bring him home. Stay positive!
27 Mar 2024

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Kassie
16 Aug 2022

So last week I seen but the fetal specialist for the 3rd time. It’s okay atleast I get to se baby more and more. Then they tell me I have marginal cord in sertion 😢… so the doctor says everything looks normal but as soon as they notice fetal growth restriction I’m going on bed rest 🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️…this is overwhelming as ever. Has this happened to anyone

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2 comments
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jenelle
I had this during my last pregnancy. There was lots of extra monitoring which was nice to have, for me I also then was fighting gestational diabetes (which we found out later) so they were worried about him being under weight with the marginal cord then over weight with the diabetes. He was born at 6lbs 15oz. I guess my first concern would be if they said baby was not quite measuring at the gestational age...as long as baby is measuring fine I'd try not to worry. Baby just may be a little smaller at birth. It's okay mama! Hang in there!
27 Mar 2024

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Autumn
I have marginal insertion as well and baby dropped from 25th % at 29 weeks to 14th at 33 weeks 😞 no diagnosis yet of FGR, but they are doing more monitoring.... crazy thing is, not again until 37 weeks to check growth! My other 3 were small, but they were small thr whole time, not slowed like this 😞
27 Mar 2024

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kari
5 Aug 2022

Had a ultrasound today and they want me to do a nst next week, due to fetal growth restriction and I'm wondering if they induce moms because of this reason? I'm super nervous and lots of anxiety

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8 comments
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Baee ❤️
Yes they do they were gonna induce me at 37 weeks but luckily baby grew
27 Mar 2024

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kari
I'm hoping my baby grows a little more before they make that decision 😥
27 Mar 2024

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