Summary about Disease
Fetal growth restriction (FGR), also known as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), is a condition where a baby doesn't grow to a normal size during pregnancy. This means the baby is smaller than expected for the number of weeks of pregnancy. It can occur for various reasons and can lead to potential complications for both the mother and baby.
Symptoms
The primary "symptom" of FGR is a smaller-than-expected size of the fetus during prenatal check-ups. This is often detected through measurements of the fundal height (the distance from the pubic bone to the top of the uterus) and/or through ultrasound scans. The mother may not necessarily feel any specific symptoms related to the baby's restricted growth.
Causes
FGR can have multiple causes, often involving problems with:
Placenta: Issues with the placenta's ability to deliver adequate oxygen and nutrients to the baby.
Maternal health conditions: High blood pressure, diabetes, heart or kidney disease, blood clotting disorders, malnutrition, anemia, infections (such as rubella, cytomegalovirus, or toxoplasmosis), or substance abuse (alcohol, drugs, smoking).
Fetal abnormalities: Genetic disorders, chromosomal abnormalities, or birth defects.
Multiple pregnancy: Carrying twins, triplets, or more.
Medicine Used
There isn't a medication to directly "cure" FGR. Management focuses on addressing underlying maternal conditions if possible and monitoring the baby's growth and well-being. Medications may be used to manage maternal high blood pressure or other relevant health issues. Antenatal corticosteroids may be given to the mother to help mature the baby's lungs if preterm delivery is anticipated.
Is Communicable
Fetal growth restriction itself is not communicable or contagious. However, if FGR is caused by a maternal infection (e.g., rubella, cytomegalovirus, toxoplasmosis), the infection itself could be communicable and potentially transmitted to the fetus, leading to FGR.
Precautions
Precautions focus on preventing or managing risk factors:
Prenatal care: Regular prenatal visits are essential for monitoring fetal growth and identifying potential problems early.
Healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding alcohol, drugs, and smoking, and managing pre-existing health conditions.
Infection prevention: Practicing good hygiene and avoiding exposure to infections.
Management of Maternal conditions: Proper management of maternal conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses can decrease the risk.
How long does an outbreak last?
FGR is not an outbreak-related disease. It is a condition that develops during pregnancy in an individual fetus. There isn't a concept of an "outbreak" in the context of FGR.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves:
Fundal height measurement: Measuring the size of the uterus. If the fundal height is smaller than expected, it raises suspicion.
Ultrasound: Ultrasound scans are used to measure the baby's size (e.g., head circumference, abdominal circumference, femur length) and estimate the baby's weight. Doppler studies of the umbilical cord and fetal blood vessels can assess blood flow to the baby.
Amniotic fluid volume assessment: Ultrasound is also used to determine if there is enough amniotic fluid surrounding the baby.
Timeline of Symptoms
FGR develops over time during the pregnancy. There isn't a sudden onset of symptoms. Reduced growth may become apparent at any point during the second or third trimesters, with regular prenatal visits and ultrasounds being key to detection.
Important Considerations
Severity: FGR can range from mild to severe. Severe FGR carries a higher risk of complications.
Timing: The earlier FGR develops, the more serious the potential consequences.
Management: Management depends on the gestational age, severity of FGR, and overall health of the mother and baby. Close monitoring is crucial, and delivery may be necessary if the baby's well-being is at risk.
Long-term outcomes: Babies born with FGR may have an increased risk of health problems after birth, including breathing difficulties, feeding problems, temperature instability, low blood sugar, and long-term developmental delays.