Is your baby growing slowly? Let's talk about Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR)

Pregnancy is a beautiful and hopeful time in a mother's life. However, it is also normal to have a little fear and doubt. When you go to the clinic and the doctor says something like, "The baby's growth is a little slow," it is reasonable to feel a great burden on your heart. But don't worry. Today we are talking about something you need to be aware of at a time like this. That is fetal growth restriction , or FGR for short.

Simply put, what is FGR?

Simply put, Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR) is when a baby in the womb does not grow at the normal rate that would be expected for the week it is in. This means that the baby is smaller than expected. This was also called Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) in the past. Now you understand, right? It's like a small plant that doesn't get the proper nutrition and water, and its growth will be stunted.

But the important thing to remember here is that mild FGR usually doesn't cause long-term problems. Most babies reach the same height and weight as other children by the age of two. But severe FGR can affect the baby both in the womb and after birth. The nature of the effects depends on the cause of the FGR, its severity, and when it started during pregnancy.

What are the risks to the baby due to FGR?

There are some conditions that a baby with FGR may face . It is important to be aware of these.

Why does this happen? Causes of FGR

There are several possible causes of FGR. These can be divided into three main categories.

1. Placenta problems

This is the most common cause. Do you know what the placenta is? It is the tissue that connects the mother and the baby. It carries the oxygen and nutrients the baby needs and removes the baby's waste products. So if the placenta is not functioning properly, the baby will not get what it needs and its growth will be stunted.

2. Mother's health conditions

Sometimes, a health problem in the mother can affect the baby's development.

• Uncontrolled diabetes (Advanced Diabetes)
• High blood pressure or heart disease
• Infections like Rubella, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Toxoplasmosis
• Kidney or lung disease
• Malnutrition or anemia (blood deficiency)
• Blood diseases such as sickle cell anemia
• Smoking, drinking alcohol, or using drugs

3. Baby-related reasons

• The baby has some chromosomal defects.
• Multiple gestations such as twins, triplets.
• Living at an altitude of more than 5,000 feet above sea level.

Special risks for twins

Twins are usually slightly smaller than other babies, but FGR can occur in about 25% of twin pregnancies. Twins who share a placenta are at higher risk.

• Uneven distribution of nutrients: Just as when two plants are planted in the same pot, one receives more nutrients and the other withers, one baby may receive more blood and nutrients and the other may become much smaller.
• Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS): This occurs when blood flows unevenly from one baby to the other through the blood vessels. This is very dangerous for both babies.
• Umbilical cord entanglement: If two babies share the same amniotic sac, the umbilical cords can become entangled and cut off blood flow.

How do doctors diagnose FGR?

FGR does not show any symptoms as you might expect. The main symptom is that the baby is smaller than he or she should be . The doctor will find this out during your clinical examination.

• Fundal Height: When you go to the clinic, the doctor will measure your belly with a tape measure, right? After 20 weeks, that measurement (in centimeters) should usually be the same as the number of weeks of your pregnancy. If that measurement is lower than expected, FGR is suspected.
• Ultrasound Scan: This is the most important test. The scan measures the size of the baby's head and abdomen, and compares it to the average size of babies of that age to estimate the weight. It also checks the amount of amniotic fluid around the baby. Low fluid can also be a sign of FGR.
• Doppler Flow Scan: This is a special type of scan. It measures the speed and amount of blood flowing through the blood vessels in the umbilical cord and the baby's brain. This can help determine if the baby is getting enough blood.
• Other tests: In some cases , Fetal Monitoring (CTG), which checks the baby's heartbeat patternYou may also need to have tests or have an amniocentesis (a test that takes a small amount of fluid from the womb) to check for infections or chromosomal abnormalities. All of this is done according to your doctor's instructions.

Things you can do to reduce the risk

Sometimes, FGR can occur no matter how healthy the mother is. However, there are things you can do to reduce this risk and increase the chances of having a healthy baby.

• Go to the clinic on time: Don't miss any clinic appointments. This is when any problems can be identified quickly.
• Pay attention to your baby's movements: If your baby doesn't move regularly, or if they suddenly stop moving, it could be a sign of a problem. If you notice a change in your baby's movements , call your doctor right away.
• Be careful about the medications you take: If you are taking medication for another condition, talk to your doctor about it. Some medications can affect your baby's development.
• Eat a good, nutritious diet: Eat well. Nutritious food helps your baby grow well.
• Get enough rest: Rest is very important for you and your baby. Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep at night. It's even better if you can take an hour or two off during the day.
• Completely get rid of harmful habits: If you smoke, use alcohol or drugs, stop doing those things completely for the sake of your baby's healthy life.