IUGR (Intra Uterine Growth Restriction) is a condition when the growth of the fetus in the womb is inhibited. IUGR is characterized by low birth weight and size. This condition can make the baby weaker and susceptible to several health problems.
The fetus in the womb will experience growth and development as the mother's womb ages. Most babies are low in size and weight when they are born too soon (premature birth). However, sometimes babies can also have a low size and weight even though he was born at term. This condition is known as IUGR.
Causes of Fetus Experiencing IUGR
Many factors can trigger the inhibition of fetal growth in the womb. However, this condition generally occurs due to interference with the placenta. A placenta that does not function properly will hinder the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, resulting in the fetus failing to develop.
In addition to problems with the placenta, there are many other conditions that can cause a baby to have IUGR, including:
- Genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome.
- Disorders of the formation of fetal organs or congenital abnormalities.
- Low maternal weight, for example due to malnutrition during pregnancy.
- Mother has disorders of certain organs, such as the heart, kidneys, and lungs.
- Complications during pregnancy, such as preeclampsia.
- Infections during pregnancy, such as rubella, cytomegalovirus, toxoplasmosis, tuberculosis, and syphilis.
- Maternal history of disease, such as anemia, autoimmune disease, asthma, and antiphospholipid syndrome.
- Multiple pregnancies, especially in fetuses that have Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS).
- Low amount of amniotic fluid or oligohydramnios.
In addition to some of the medical conditions above, babies can also experience IUGR if during pregnancy the mother is often tired, experiences severe stress, or has an unhealthy lifestyle during pregnancy, such as smoking, consuming alcoholic beverages, and using drugs.
Ways to Know Fetal Growth and Development
The condition of IUGR experienced by the fetus often does not show any symptoms. During pregnancy, the mother may not feel any disturbing symptoms or complaints, so that she does not realize that her fetus has IUGR.
That's why, the condition of the fetus needs to be monitored regularly by conducting regular obstetrical examinations to the doctor. During the examination, the doctor will monitor the condition of the fetus in the womb with an ultrasound examination.
If the results of the ultrasound examination show signs that suggest IUGR, the doctor may order other tests, such as amniotic fluid analysis (amniocentesis).
IUGR Handling Steps
There is no specific treatment that can be attempted to treat IUGR, especially if this condition is detected too late. Therefore, it is important to take preventive steps since the fetus is still in the womb.
However, there are several treatment steps that doctors can try to treat IUGR:
Closer monitoring of fetal condition
Generally, if this condition is detected early, the doctor may suggest more frequent gynecological examinations to see if there is an increase in body weight and progress in fetal growth in the womb.
If the fetus is still not growing properly, the doctor may suggest anticipatory steps to prepare the mother for early delivery. The doctor will determine whether the delivery should be cesarean or normal.
Pay attention to fetal movement
Fetuses who experience IUGR are at higher risk of dying in the womb. Therefore, doctors will advise pregnant women with IUGR fetuses to pay more attention to fetal movements.
If the fetal movement slows down or does not move at all within a few hours, then the pregnant woman needs to immediately go to the obstetrician to check the condition of the fetus.
Live a healthy lifestyle
If pregnant women are often tired, stressed, or have unhealthy living habits, then the doctor will recommend that these things be stopped immediately. In order to prevent IUGR, pregnant women should get adequate rest, avoid severe stress, and consume nutritious foods and pregnancy supplements prescribed by a doctor.
To ensure that the condition of the fetus in the womb is always healthy and grows according to gestational age, pregnant women are recommended to regularly check with their obstetrician. If this condition is detected early, the doctor can provide help as soon as possible in the hope that the fetus can grow normally.
However, if IUGR is detected late, it will be more difficult to treat, because the baby may already have complications and his condition also tends to be weaker. IUGR babies usually need to be in the NICU after birth, until their condition is stable and their weight has increased.
