The baby's weight will continue to increase with increasing gestational age. This indicates that the fetus is absorbing nutrients well. However, if the weight of the fetus does not increase according to gestational age, pregnant women must be careful. This could be a sign of stunted fetal development.
In the medical world, fetal development that is hampered while in the womb is known as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). A fetus with an IUGR condition is indeed smaller than a normal fetus, but that does not mean that a small fetus must have this condition, pregnant women.
Not only is it low birth weight or the body looks thin, babies born with IUGR usually have pale skin, and a weak heart rate and movement.
Types of IUGR
IUGR is divided into two types, namely symmetrical (primary) and asymmetrical (secondary) IUGR. In symmetrical IUGR, the entire body of the fetus, including the internal organs, is small.
Whereas in asymmetric IUGR, the development of the fetus is uneven. For example, the size of the head and brain of the fetus is normal for its age, but the rest of the body is smaller. Asymmetric IUGR is generally only detected after the fetus enters the third trimester.
This Causes Delayed Fetal Development
IUGR can be caused by various things, but generally occurs due to disorders of the placenta or placenta. An impaired placenta cannot deliver sufficient oxygen, blood, and food to the fetus. As a result, the fetus experiences obstacles in its development.
In addition to problems with the placenta, genetic disorders, too little amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios), and multiple pregnancies can also cause IUGR.
Fetal development is not only influenced by the condition of pregnancy and the health of the fetus itself. Maternal health can also affect fetal development, you know. The following are health problems in pregnant women that are at risk of causing the fetus to experience IUGR:
- Infections during pregnancy, such as rubella or toxoplasma.
- Malnutrition during pregnancy.
- Anemia.
- High blood pressure (hypertension).
- Heart disease.
Fetal Management with IUGR
The fetus is assessed as having IUGR if it does not show signs of development that are appropriate for gestational age. This can be seen through ultrasound examination when pregnant women check their pregnancy to the obstetrician. In addition, pay attention to your little one's kicks, too, pregnant women. The kick can be a sign of a healthy fetus or not.
If the obstetrician finds that the pregnant woman has IUGR, it is necessary to have more frequent pregnancy tests to monitor the development of the fetus. The doctor will also improve the pregnant woman's nutritional intake, so that the fetus can reach an age-appropriate weight. Pregnant women may also be asked to rest completely to optimize blood circulation to the fetus.
In addition, pregnant women need to adopt a healthy lifestyle, by not consuming alcoholic beverages, smoking, or taking drugs that are not recommended by doctors.
If the fetus gains weight during the monitoring period, the doctor will keep the fetus in the womb until the day of delivery arrives. However, if the fetus is in danger, the doctor will give birth early by induction or caesarean section.
To monitor fetal growth and detect stunted fetal development, pregnant women need to regularly check their pregnancy with a gynecologist. The recommended check-up schedule is every month until 28 weeks of gestation, every 2 weeks at 28-36 weeks of gestation, and every week until before delivery.
