What is Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR)

IUGR is said to be present in those babies whose birth weight is below the 10th percentile of the average for the gestational age. In other way, it is poor growth of a baby in the mother's uterus during pregnancy.


Incidence - 

The incidence among term babies is about 5% and that among post term babies is about 15%.


Types -

Based on clinical evaluation and ultrasound examination the fetuses are divided into two types :

• Fetuses that are small and healthy -                                                                          The birth weight less than 10th percentile for the gestational age. They have normal subcutaneous fat and usually uneventful neonatal course. 

• Fetuses where growth is restricted by pathological process (true IUGR) -                   Depending upon the relative size of their head, abdomen and femur. The fetuses are subdivided into two types :

        1. Symmetrical
        2. Asymmetrical

Symmetrical or type-I -: It is most often caused by structural and chromosomal abnormalities or congenital infection.

Asymmetrical or type-II -: In this type, the fetuses affected in later months during the phase of cellular hypertrophy. The total cell mass remains the same but size is smaller than normal.


Related  Articles :

• Causes of IUGR
• Physical features of IUGR baby at birth
• Management of twin pregnancy
• What is Superfetation and Superfecundation
• Induced abortion or termination of pregnancy
• Lactation suppression
• EDD (Expected date of delivery)