Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)

IUGR is where the foetus isn't growing as expected due to a pathology that’s reducing the amount of nutrients and oxygen being delivered. Signs that there's restricted growth of the baby are:

• Small foetus

• Oligohydramnios

• Reduced foetal movements

• Abnormal doppler or CTG studies

Causes

Placenta-mediated causes

• Idiopathic

• Pre-eclampsia

• Maternal smoking and alcohol

• Anaemia

• Malnutrition

• Infection

Non-placenta mediated causes

• Genetic abnormalities

• Structural abnormalities

• Foetal infection

• Errors of metabolism

Complications

• Short-term - Stillbirth, Birth asphyxia, Neonatal hypothermia/hypoglycaemia

• Long-term - CVD, T2DM, Obesity, Mood/behavioural problems