Why fetus not growing

In severe cases, an early delivery may be necessary. This allows your doctor to intervene before damage caused by IUGR gets worse. Induced delivery is usually only necessary if your fetus has stopped growing entirely or has serious medical problems. In general, your doctor will probably prefer to allow it to grow for as long as possible before delivery. Children who have a severe form of IUGR may die in the womb or during birth.

Children with a less severe form of IUGR may also have complications. Learn about possible causes and treatments. Children reach developmental milestones at their own pace. Learn about developmental…. Wide feet are usually nothing to worry about, although they can sometimes be caused by other health issues. Treating these conditions and wearing…. The test can take several….

Growth hormone tests measure the amount of growth hormone in your blood. Growth hormone plays a crucial role in human development. Health conditions…. Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help your child. Also know what the side effects are. Know what to expect if your child does not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.

If your child has a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit. This is important if your child becomes ill and you have questions or need advice. Search Encyclopedia. Small for Gestational Age What does it mean to be small for gestational age? What causes babies to be small for gestational age?

Who is at risk for being small for gestational age? Problems with the mother High blood pressure Chronic kidney disease Diabetes Heart disease or respiratory disease Malnutrition or anemia Infection Alcohol or drug use Cigarette smoking Weighing less than pounds Problems with the uterus and placenta Decreased blood flow in the uterus and placenta Placenta detaches from the uterus Placenta attaches low in the uterus Infection in the tissues around the baby Problems with the developing baby Multiple pregnancy, such as twins or triplets Infection Birth defects Chromosome problems What are the symptoms of small for gestational age babies?

These babies may be born: Premature. Before 37 weeks of pregnancy. After 42 weeks of pregnancy. How are small for gestational age babies diagnosed? How are small for gestational age babies treated? Treatment may include: Temperature-controlled beds or incubators Tube feedings if the baby doesn't have a strong suck Blood tests to check for low blood sugar Watching oxygen levels Babies who are also premature may have other needs. What are possible complications of being small for gestational age?

Doctors will also use ultrasounds to check the blood flow to the placenta and through the umbilical cord. Treatment for intrauterine growth restriction depends on how far along the pregnancy is and how the baby is doing.

Doctors will watch a baby with IUGR closely during prenatal visits. They'll do ultrasounds, keep track of growth, and watch for other problems.

If the baby's mother has a condition, doctors will help her manage it. This might include making sure she eats a healthy and nutritious diet and gains the right amount of weight during her pregnancy.

Some women might go on bed rest to try to improve blood flow to the baby. Sometimes, doctors will recommend inducing labor and delivery early. Or the blood flow through the umbilical cord may be limited.

Factors in both the mother and the baby may cause FGR. But a baby with FGR may have certain signs after birth, such as:. One of the main reasons for regular prenatal exams is to make sure your baby is growing well. During pregnancy, the size of your baby is estimated in different ways, including:.

Fundal height. To check fundal height, your healthcare provider measures from the top of your pubic bone to the top of your uterus fundus.

Fundal height, measured in centimeters cm , is about the same as the number of weeks of pregnancy after the 20th week. For example, at 24 weeks gestation, your fundal height should be close to 24 cm. If the fundal height is less than expected, it may mean FGR. Fetal ultrasound.

Estimating fetal weight with ultrasound is the best way to find FGR. Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the baby in the womb.