How to Treat Fetal Growth Retardation
Fetal growth retardation is said to exist when the weight of a fetus is below the 10th percentile for its gestational age. If a mother's fundal height is smaller than normal or her uterus appears to be small for her week of pregnancy, then fetal growth retardation may be suspected. Fetal growth retardation is usually diagnosed at 32 weeks of pregnancy or later. If you are dealing with fetal growth retardation, there are some important things you should know.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Be aware that no real treatment for fetal growth retardation exists. The goal of the physician, in the case of fetal growth retardation, is to minimize the risks to mother and baby while maximizing gestational age of the fetus.
-
2
Have an ultrasound to check on the development and size of the fetus once fetal growth retardation has been suspected or diagnosed. Often, a series of ultrasounds over a specified time period (days or weeks) will allow your physician to see how the fetus is growing.
-
-
3
Have a non-stress test. This is a test that is given by your physician in his office. The non-stress test is used to evaluate the status of the fetus. A fetus who is doing well will show fetal heart-rate accelerations as it moves about in the uterus.
-
4
Treat any underlying problems that may be causing fetal growth retardation. In some cases, underlying problems, such as problems with the placenta, can be treated. This may allow the fetus to resume a normal growth rate for the rest of the pregnancy.
-
5
Check the status of the fetus' lungs. This can be done via amniocentesis. If the lungs are not mature, steroids may be given to the fetus that help mature the lungs quickly. Mature lungs are crucial if delivery of the fetus is being considered.
-
6
Allow your physician to deliver your baby. Close to term babies with fetal growth retardation often do the best when delivered. This allows the fetus to grow outside of the mother's womb and hopefully grow at a normal rate.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Fetal growth retardation is sometimes referred to as intrauterine growth retardation or intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).
The information in this article is not intended to replace medical care and advice from your own personal physician. Speak to your physician if you have any concerns about your pregnancy or your baby.
