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 Medical Abbreviation: A Closer Look at IUGR
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is used to describe an estimated fetal weight less than the 10th percentile. A baby who is born small for gestational age is not necessarily an IUGR fetus. Only about one-third of infants who are born small for their gestation have IUGR. A fetus can be born with IUGR at term or prematurely. Intrauterine growth restriction occurs when a problem or abnormality prevents cells and tissues from growing or causes cells to decrease in size. This can occur for a couple of reasons; either does not receive the necessary nutrients and oxygen critically needed for growth and development of organs and tissues, or because of infection.
Abbreviation |
Meaning |
IUGR |
Intrauterine Growth Restriction |
IUGR can occur at any time during the pregnancy. If IUGR is diagnosed before 32 weeks, it is typically related to chromosomal abnormalities, maternal disease, or severe problems with the placenta. If it occurs after 32 weeks, it may be referred to as late-onset IUGR and is usually related to other problems such as preeclampsia or eclampsia.
When a newborn is IUGR, the growth of their overall body and organs are limited. Their tissue and organ cells may not grow as large as they would expect. If the cause is a lack of blood flow through the placenta the fetus will likely only receive small amounts of oxygen. This decrease in oxygen can be extremely dangerous by causing the fetal heart rate to decrease. Severe IUGR can result in stillbirth. Other problems that can occur as a result of IUGR include:
- Low Apgar scores
- Hypoglycemia
- Meconium Aspiration
- Difficulty with Thermoregulation
- Polycythemia
Infants who are born with severe IUGR can have long-term growth problems in babies and children.
Often, IUGR is first suspected when a women’s fundal height does not match up with her gestational weeks. Once a physician determines that the fundal height does not match up other diagnostic tests which can be done to determine an IUGR diagnosis:
- Ultrasound (can be used to determine fetal weight or fetal abdominal circumference which can help determine fetal nutrition)
- Doppler Flow (used to check blood vessels in the fetal brain and umbilical cord)
- Mother’s weight gain
It is not possible to reverse IUGR. Management once IUGR has been diagnosed is aimed towards slowing or minimizing the effects. In order to reach those treatment goals, medical management will include increasing the mother’s nutrition or bed rest aimed at improving the circulation to the fetus. If it is determined that the IUGR endangers the health of the fetus, early delivery is recommended.
References:
American Academy of Family Physicians Intrauterine Growth Restriction: When Your Baby Stops Growing Before Birth. Retrieved January 2008 from http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/
women/pregnancy/fetal/313.printerview.html.
University of Virginia Health System. High Risk Pregnancy: Intrauterine Growth Restriction(IUGR)- What is intrauterine growth restriction(IUGR)? Retrieved January 2008 from www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/uvahealth/peds_hrpregnant/iugr.cfm.
O’Reilly, D. Medical Encyclopedia: Intrauterine growth restriction. Retrieved January 2008 from www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001500.htm.
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