Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is the condition which is caused when the poor growth of the baby takes place when it is in her mother’s womb. This condition specifically refers for those babies who are smaller than their normal size during the pregnancy period. These are also known as fetal growth restriction or small for gestational age (SGA).

Types Of Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR):
There are types of intrauterine growth restrictions. These are:

• Systemic Or Primary Intrauterine Growth Restriction: It is the condition in which all the internal organs of baby are reduced to a smaller size. This condition is found in 20 – 25% of the cases.
• Asymmetric Or Secondary Intrauterine Growth Restriction: It is the condition in which the head and brain of the developing baby is of the normal size but abdominal portion gets reduced. This condition can be evident only after the third trimester begins.

Causes Of Intrauterine Growth Restriction ( IUGR):
The causes of intrauterine growth restriction are:

• Mother has heart disease
• Weight of mother is less than 100 pounds
• Chromosomal abnormalities or birth defects
• Pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH)
• Abnormality in umbilical cord
• Abnormality in placenta
• Mother suffers from gestational diabetes
• Multiple pregnancies
• Low levels of amniotic fluid

Risks To Baby Born With IUGR:

• The baby born can have an increased risk of hypoxia ( lack of oxygen when baby is born).
• The chances of cesarean delivery increases in such conditions
• A condition called meconium aspiration can occur in which the baby swallows the part of first bowel movement. This can cause pneumothorax or development of bacterial pneumonia in the thorax region.
• Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar
• Polycythemia ( increase in number RBCs.)
• Hyper viscosity or a condition in which the flow of blood is reduced due an increase in RBCs.
• Chances of motor and neurological disabilities increases.