20/02/2023Fetal growth retardation is a condition in which the fetus is underdeveloped and is smaller in size and weight than expected for its gestational age. Growth retardation is usually described below the 10th percentile, which means the fetus is smaller than 10 other babies of the same gestational age. Babies with mild growth retardation after birth can grow well in height and weight. However, severe cases can be seriously dangerous during pregnancy and postpartum if not detected and intervened in time.
► There are two types of growth retardation:
- Early-onset growth retardation: when the fetus is diagnosed with low birth weight before 32 weeks of pregnancy.
- Early-onset fetal growth retardation: when the fetus is diagnosed with low birth weight after 32 weeks of pregnancy.
► Causes of fetal growth retardation:
There are many causes of fetal growth retardation during pregnancy, the most common being placental abnormalities. An abnormal placenta that does not work well will not provide enough oxygen and nutrients to the fetus. The abnormal umbilical cord and the function of connecting the fetus to the placenta can also lead to fetal growth retardation.
- The mother has an infection such as syphilis, measles, toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus.
- The mother uses certain drugs as treatment for convulsions.
- Mother has high blood pressure, blood clotting disorder, anemia or gestational diabetes.
- Fetal chromosomal abnormalities such as Turner syndrome and Down syndrome.
- The mother is pregnant with multiples.
- The mother has an unhealthy lifestyle such as smoking, drinking alcohol or using drugs.
► What happens during growth retardation:
Newborns with growth retardation are more likely to have a number of health problems. Babies born early or born very small often have longer hospital stays, which may require special care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). In addition, a number of other problems
- Eathing and feeding problems;
- Difficulty keeping body temperature stable;
- Abnormal blood cell counts;
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia);
- Problems fighting infections;
- Nervous problem.
► What to do when pregnant women have growth retardation:
Fetal growth retardation is a high-risk pregnancy, the treatment depends on the severity, the number of weeks of gestation, the time of onset of fetal growth retardation, the cause, fetal health status and placental and umbilical cord perfusion.
- Pregnant women need to check and monitor their pregnancy more closely than usual (every week or even every 3 days, if the condition is serious, they need to be hospitalized for observation).
- Take more rest and limit heavy work.
- Nutritional supplements.
- Continuous monitoring, usually pregnancy exercise at home.
In medicine, doctors will monitor the pregnancy of pregnant women more closely, because the fetus with growth retardation has a higher risk of fetal heart loss than other pregnancies.
- Find out the reason if necessary.
- Support lung maturation.
- The fetal development was monitored by ultrasound, and the perfusion was checked by ultrasound Doppler.
- The risk of early abortion or emergency cesarean section when there is a threat to fetal health.
► Measures to prevent growth retardation:
- Building a healthy diet.
- Get enough sleep, get enough rest, avoid stress.
- Limit alcohol, tobacco and stimulants.
- About 30 minutes of gentle exercise
At the same time, follow the doctor’s advice as well as remember the appointment for antenatal care and prenatal testing so that the fetus is well monitored!
At the American International Clinic (AIH Clinic), doctors and nutritionists will monitor and advise specifically for each case so that pregnant women have the most reasonable care plan for the health of mother and baby.
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