Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) means your unborn baby is smaller or weighs less than expected during pregnancy or at birth. Healthcare providers may use other terms, such as small for gestational age or fetal growth restriction. IUGR can develop during the second or third trimester.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call your doctor or obstetrician if:
- You think your baby is moving less than before.
- You are doing kick counts and feel a change in the number of kicks or movements of your baby.
- You feel fewer than 10 kicks within 2 hours.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Manage IUGR:
Your healthcare provider may give you specific instructions to follow until you go into labor. The following are general guidelines:
- Do kick counts, if directed. Kick counts measure how much your baby is moving in your womb. A kick from can be felt as a twist, turn, swish, roll, or jab. Sit or lie on your left side. Place your hands on the largest part of your belly. Write down how much time it takes to count 10 kicks. It may take 30 minutes to 2 hours to count 10 kicks. It should not take more than 2 hours.
- Get more calories, if needed. Your healthcare provider or a dietitian can help you plan meals and snacks. More calories can help your baby gain weight before birth.
- Rest as directed. If possible, take naps during the day. Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night. Bed rest is sometimes recommended for IUGR. Bed rest means you limit the amount of walking around you do during the day.
Ways to lower your risk for IUGR in a future pregnancy:
IUGR increases a baby's risk for conditions such as low blood sugar levels, seizures, and respiratory distress syndrome. IUGR also increases the risk for diseases as an adult, such as obesity, diabetes, and stroke. The following can help you prevent IUGR in a future pregnancy:
- Go to prenatal visits. Prenatal visits are used to check your health and your unborn baby's health. Your healthcare provider will tell you how often to have prenatal visits. He or she may recommend you have visits often to help prevent IUGR.
- Do not smoke. Nicotine in cigarettes increases the risk for problems with the placenta. Nicotine also causes low birth weight and other medical problems for the baby. Do not use e-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco in place of cigarettes or to help you quit. They still contain nicotine. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help quitting.
- Eat a variety of healthy foods. Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, and beans. Healthy foods can help you gain a healthy amount of weight during pregnancy, and prevent diabetes.
- Take prenatal vitamins as directed. The vitamins should contain at least 4,000 micrograms of folic acid. Folic acid helps prevent birth defects such as spina bifida. Your healthcare provider can help you choose a prenatal vitamin that is right for you.
- Drink liquids as directed. More liquid can help prevent dehydration and high blood pressure.
- Control diabetes or other medical conditions. Diabetes can cause problems for your baby, such as too much weight gain. If you have diabetes, work with your healthcare provider to manage your blood sugar levels before and during your next pregnancy.
Follow up with your doctor or obstetrician as directed:
You may need tests every 1 to 3 weeks. Go to all follow-up visits. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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