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Fetal Growth Restriction or FGR may be a new term to you, but at least 10% of pregnant women are diagnosed with this condition. It is also referred to as Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR), this is a condition where the baby or fetus is not growing at the rate that it should. And this can happen even if the carrier is well nourished, healthy, taking additional vitamins and is young and able-bodied. This diagnosis can be overwhelming and scary, especially because FGR has varied causes and consequences, but it doesn’t mean that your baby isn’t going to be healthy. So, take a deep breath and allow us to guide you through what a fetal growth restriction diagnosis can mean for your pregnancy, and how to deal with it.
What Is Fetal Growth Restriction?
FGR is a condition where a fetus does not grow at the expected rate during the gestation period. This is observed when the abdominal circumference (of the mother) is lower than 10% of the estimated value for the gestation period. This may sound alarming but it is relatively common. However, it is a condition that is rarely discussed by society at large. One needs to understand that the problem may not be in having a tiny baby. Some babies are just naturally smaller than others. Medical experts say that roughly 20% of pregnancies diagnosed with FGR are constitutionally smaller fetuses who are born healthy and grow up normally. But the condition can point to some issues in the anatomy of some fetuses.
It’s also important to note that this condition’s onset cannot be certainly determined. It could be early or late. It can manifest symmetrically where all the fetal features are small-ish in size or asymmetrical. And the degree at which this condition can affect your baby can vary from mild to severe. So, FGR is a complicated issue with many cases that vary drastically from one another.
What Does FGR Mean For Your Pregnancy?
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FGR may entail a number of risks. Usually, there is a higher risk of miscarriages happening during these pregnancies. The baby could also be born with several disabilities. Fetal Growth Resistance has also been associated with several other complications like perinatal morbidity and mortality. There is also an increased risk of lower birth weight, decreased levels of oxygen in the fetus’s system, complications during labor, a higher risk of infections, breathing problems and low levels of blood sugar.
In addition, research claims that FGR could potentially lead to cognitive developmental issues, or restrictions of ongoing growth on the infant. Although this can be disheartening to hear, it is important to remember that the diagnosis doesn’t necessarily mean that your baby is meant to experience all of these issues. It simply outlines some factors indicating what to look out for. Every individual case of FGR is unique and there is a possibility of positive outcomes. Your child may have a disability but they may also be completely healthy and normal. So keep your spirits up and follow the instructions of your obstetrician and Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist to see you through your pregnancy.
FGR Pregnancy Symptoms
Fetal Growth Resistance is generally diagnosed after the 20 week pregnancy scan done by a healthcare provider. It is done by measuring the fundal height, that is, the length between the pubic bone and the top of the uterus. This is the height measurement of your baby bump! After your 20th week of pregnancy, your fundal height should ideally be the same number as the number of the number of weeks into your pregnancy. Usually there are no clear symptoms that indicate the possibility of FGR besides a smaller bump. But that is not a decisive indication of the condition. So there’s a good chance that prior to your 20th week scan, you may not have a clue as to the fact that your baby’s growth rate is compromised.
FGR Treatment
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Women who carry fetuses diagnosed with FGR are attended to by a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist. They assess what caused the FGR and what impact it might have on the infant or could potentially have on the child in the future. But no matter what the cause may be, your fetus will be carefully observed by health professionals for the remainder of your pregnancy. Prenatal investigations might include fetal monitoring in order to measure the growth as well to track the fetus’s blood flow and heart rate. This is done to determine and rule out genetic causes. Parental tests can also help assess the blood pressure of a birthing parent as this can have an effect on the baby. Sometimes, despite regular check-ups, doctors may decide that an FGR-diagnosed baby will thrive better outside, in a less hostile environment.
Getting diagnosed with FGR may be jarring and overwhelming but it doesn’t mean that your infant can’t be just as healthy as any other. So, make sure you are regular to your check ups and rest well!
Sources
- SMFM Consult Series #52: Diagnosis and Management of Fetal Growth Restriction, Society For Maternal Fetal Medicine
- Association of Intrauterine Growth Restriction and Small for Gestational Age Status With Childhood Cognitive Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis, NCBI
- Fetal Growth Restriction, NCBI
