Book contents
- The EBCOG Postgraduate Textbook of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
- The EBCOG Postgraduate Textbook of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
- Copyright page
- Dedication
- Contents
- Contributors
- Preface
- Section 1 Basic Sciences in Obstetrics
- Section 2 Early Pregnancy Problems
- Section 3 Fetal Medicine
- Chapter 10 Pre-Conception Care
- Chapter 11 Ultrasound Scanning in the First Trimester of Pregnancy
- Chapter 12 Prenatal Diagnostic Techniques
- Chapter 13 Invasive Fetal Therapies
- Chapter 14 Normal Fetal Growth and Fetal Macrosomia
- Chapter 15 Fetal Haemolysis
- Chapter 16 Antenatal Care of a Normal Pregnancy
- Chapter 17 Screening for High-Risk Pregnancy
- Chapter 18 Multiple Pregnancy
- Chapter 19 Intrauterine Growth Restriction
- Chapter 20 Fetal Origin of Adult Disease
- Chapter 21 Antepartum Haemorrhage
- Chapter 22 Obstetric Care of Migrant Populations
- Chapter 23 Care of Women with Previous Adverse Pregnancy Outcome
- Chapter 24 Preterm Prelabour Rupture of Membranes
- Section 4 Maternal Medicine
- Section 5 Intrapartum Care
- Section 6 Neonatal Problems
- Section 7 Placenta
- Section 8 Public Health Issues in Obstetrics
- Section 9 Co-Morbidities during Pregnancy
- Index
- Plate Section (PDF Only)
- References
Chapter 19 - Intrauterine Growth Restriction
from Section 3 - Fetal Medicine
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 20 November 2021
- The EBCOG Postgraduate Textbook of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
- The EBCOG Postgraduate Textbook of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
- Copyright page
- Dedication
- Contents
- Contributors
- Preface
- Section 1 Basic Sciences in Obstetrics
- Section 2 Early Pregnancy Problems
- Section 3 Fetal Medicine
- Chapter 10 Pre-Conception Care
- Chapter 11 Ultrasound Scanning in the First Trimester of Pregnancy
- Chapter 12 Prenatal Diagnostic Techniques
- Chapter 13 Invasive Fetal Therapies
- Chapter 14 Normal Fetal Growth and Fetal Macrosomia
- Chapter 15 Fetal Haemolysis
- Chapter 16 Antenatal Care of a Normal Pregnancy
- Chapter 17 Screening for High-Risk Pregnancy
- Chapter 18 Multiple Pregnancy
- Chapter 19 Intrauterine Growth Restriction
- Chapter 20 Fetal Origin of Adult Disease
- Chapter 21 Antepartum Haemorrhage
- Chapter 22 Obstetric Care of Migrant Populations
- Chapter 23 Care of Women with Previous Adverse Pregnancy Outcome
- Chapter 24 Preterm Prelabour Rupture of Membranes
- Section 4 Maternal Medicine
- Section 5 Intrapartum Care
- Section 6 Neonatal Problems
- Section 7 Placenta
- Section 8 Public Health Issues in Obstetrics
- Section 9 Co-Morbidities during Pregnancy
- Index
- Plate Section (PDF Only)
- References
Summary
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) refers to diminished fetal growth during intrauterine life and is defined as decreased fetal growth. However, what needs to be clarified is that IUGR does not refer to just small fetal size, but to smaller size than what this particular fetus was genetically programmed to be. So IUGR refers to a fetus that is genetically programmed to reach a specific weight, but for some reason it fails to reach this weight. There is generally a main underlying pathological cause that is responsible for this clinical condition, such as genetic or environmental factors [1]. IUGR is a common obstetric complication that remains a leading cause of neonatal and fetal mortality and morbidity. It alters the antenatal care regimen, increasing antenatal visits, ultrasound examinations and admissions to the hospital. The incidence of IUGR varies from 7–24% in different studies and this broad range reflects, on one hand, the multifactorial nature of IUGR and, on the other hand, it results from the lack of a homogenous universal definition, something that leads to different diagnostic criteria being used antenatally and, as a result, different detection rates. As mentioned, IUGR refers to a decrease in the rhythm of fetal growth, caused usually by underlying pathological reasons, so that the fetus is unable to reach its growth potential, making the IUGR fetus at risk of developing complications such as fetal hypoxia and acidosis. There are ethnic, racial and individualized variations that must be taken into account when examining a fetus before classifying it as IUGR. A diagnosis of IUGR is classically made antenatally; however, in some cases the diagnosis is made only after birth, especially in pregnancies with poor or complete lack of antenatal care. Prompt recognition of IUGR fetuses is of utmost importance, as there is an increased risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Identification and appropriate management of these cases can reduce this risk and improve their outcome [2–4].
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- The EBCOG Postgraduate Textbook of Obstetrics & GynaecologyObstetrics & Maternal-Fetal Medicine, pp. 158 - 166Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2021