What Is Fetal Growth Restriction?
Fetal growth restriction is when a fetus doesn鈥檛 grow as well as it should. Fetal growth restriction is also known as intrauterine growth restriction.
Babies with fetal growth restriction are below the 10th percentile in size. This means they鈥檙e smaller than nine out of 10 babies of the same gestational age.
Experts use the term severe fetal growth restriction for babies who are below the 3rd percentile in size. This means they鈥檙e smaller than 97 out of 100 babies the same age.
Fetal Growth Restriction Causes & Risk Factors
There鈥檚 usually no clear reason for fetal growth restriction. Sometimes, there are underlying causes:
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Genetic conditions affecting the fetus
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Placental insufficiency, when the placenta doesn鈥檛 provide enough nutrients and oxygen to the fetus
Some risks of fetal growth restriction depend on the pregnant person鈥檚 age and health:
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Age over 40
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Autoimmune diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
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Conception through in vitro fertilization (IVF)
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Diabetes, including gestational diabetes
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Heart conditions and high blood pressure
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History of bariatric surgery
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History of placental problems such as preeclampsia or stillbirth
How Is Fetal Growth Restriction Diagnosed?
Obstetric providers screen for fetal growth restriction in all pregnant people after about 20 weeks. They perform a bedside measurement of the size of the uterus. If you have risk factors or your uterus is smaller than expected, you will get an ultrasound to measure the size of the fetus. Your provider uses these measurements to estimate your baby鈥檚 weight. They compare that estimate to the average weight of babies of the same gestational age.
Your provider may discuss genetic testing if you have a fetal growth restriction diagnosis before 32 weeks of pregnancy. The chances that your baby has a genetic condition are higher when you get an early fetal growth restriction diagnosis.
Find a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist
Fetal Growth Restriction Treatment
There are no treatments to change the rate of fetal growth. However, you will be closely monitored throughout the rest of your pregnancy. The biggest concern of fetal growth restriction is stillbirth. We will monitor you to determine when you should deliver the baby. Early delivery lessens the chance of having a stillbirth.
Fetal Growth Restriction Delivery Timing
We typically recommend inducing labor at 37鈥39 weeks of pregnancy. We may recommend earlier delivery if we think the risk of stillbirth is higher.
We usually induce labor for a vaginal delivery. However, your provider may recommend a cesarean section in some situations.
Long-Term Effects of Fetal Growth Restriction
Sometimes babies don鈥檛 grow as expected because of underlying problems like a genetic condition. Some of these conditions have long-term effects.
Babies who are born very early may also need to go to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Your provider will discuss the potential long-term risks of fetal growth restriction with you.
Can You Prevent Fetal Growth Restriction?
There鈥檚 no proven way to prevent fetal growth restriction. You can take several steps to lower your risk:
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Eat a balanced, nutritious diet.
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Exercise regularly.
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Manage underlying health conditions with your primary care provider or other specialist.
What to Expect During Your Consult with Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Your obstetrics provider may refer you to a maternal-fetal medicine (high-risk pregnancy) specialist if you have fetal growth restriction. You may have a virtual or in-person consult. During your consultation, your maternal-fetal medicine specialist will discuss the following:
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Risks of fetal growth restriction
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Test results
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Treatment recommendations for you and your obstetrics provider
After your consult, you may continue care with your usual obstetrics provider. However, you may continue seeing a maternal-fetal medicine specialist if there鈥檚 evidence of an underlying problem with your baby.
If your diagnosis isn't complicated, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist will offer an electronic consultation. This means they review your medical record and give your obstetrics provider recommendations on next steps. Your obstetrics provider will then work with you on these next steps.
Why Choose 麻豆学生精品版?
At U of U Health, you have access to every specialist you may need to ensure the safest pregnancy possible. Our team includes maternal-fetal medicine specialists with expert knowledge. Their knowledge includes rare conditions such as fetal growth restriction. You receive care from physician-scientists who work to advance the field through research.
We are committed to helping you meet your goals during pregnancy and make the best decisions for your care. Our providers value and prioritize your preferences throughout your pregnancy.
Make an Appointment
Most patients are referred to our maternal-fetal medicine specialists by their obstetrics providers. Call 801-213-2995 to request a consultation with a maternal-fetal medicine specialist if you鈥檝e been diagnosed with fetal growth restriction or have had fetal growth restriction in a prior pregnancy. We recommend checking with your insurance first since some insurance plans require provider referrals to be seen by a specialist.
Resources & Programs for Parents-to-Be
Early Pregnancy Assessment Clinic
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Utah Pregnancy After Loss Program
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SUPeRAD: Substance Use & Pregnancy鈥擱ecovery, Addiction, and Dependence Clinic
The SUPeRAD Clinic provides services and treatments for pregnant and postpartum people with substance use disorders and addiction.
YoMingo庐: Prenatal Education on the Go
U of U Health offers anytime, anywhere education for expectant mothers through YoMingo庐, with all the tools and support you need at every stage of your pregnancy. Find information on prenatal care, labor & birth, postpartum, breastfeeding, and newborn care.
Perinatal Education
Childbearing is an exciting time of growth, change, and personal choices for you and your family. To help you prepare, we offer perinatal education on a variety of subjects related to your pregnancy.
