How to Prevent the Causes of Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR)?

Fetal Growth Restriction is a condition where an unborn baby is affected by a smaller size. The baby is expected to deliver earlier than the due date. It is often described as the weight less than the 10th percentile. In simple words, it means the baby is underweight and may get affected by certain infections, breathing issues, and heart diseases. 

About Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR)

In serious cases, FGR may also lead to the death of the baby. FGR may begin anytime during pregnancy. In such a condition, the baby doesn’t grow well. It may affect the overall size of the baby and the growth of the organs, tissues, or cells. This may further relate to many health issues. But there are cases that many newborn babies are born naturally. So this must not be related to the medical condition FGR. They further may not have any health issues and grow normally even with small size. 

What causes Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR)?

Many things contribute to Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR). It is not that the medical condition takes place naturally and goes with the health of women. These may include problems with the placenta or umbilical cord. In this condition, the placenta may not attach well with the baby which releases the blood flow inside the body of the mother. It, therefore, affects both mother and baby. Factors contributing to both mother and baby may further cause Fetal Restriction Growth.

Factors in the mother that can cause FGR to include:

• High Blood Pressure or any underlying health condition like blood vessel disease
• Diabetes
• Long-term kidney or lung condition
• Lupus or any autonomous condition
• Underweight mother
• Obesity or excess of weight
• Poor nutrition
• Smoking cigarettes at an excessive rate

Factors in the baby that can cause FGR to include:

• One in the triplet or twins is often affected with FGR
• Internal infection
• Birth defects
• Problem with genes and chromosomes

Complications related to Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR)

FGR may cause serious complications related to birth. There might be chances that the baby may be delivered earlier than the due date or may have a stay in the hospital. The baby may also have trouble breathing or may be affected by any kind of infection or any other disease. In certain cases, stillbirth or death may also occur. As your child grows at a smaller rate, the child may be at risk of heart or blood vessel problems.

Also Know: Prenatal care During Pregnancy

Prevention of the causes of Fetal Growth Restriction(FGR)

Though FGR can take place even if the mother is completely healthy, there are things that the mother can do to avoid complications or risk factors during pregnancy.

• Keep a track of your prenatal appointments. Try to consult a doctor for any potential disease or problem with the baby. If detected, treat them early.
• Keep a track of your child’s movement inside the womb. The baby who stops moving inside the womb may be at risk of health issues. Notice the baby’s movement and consult the doctor immediately if any condition persists.
• Keep a check on your medications. Sometimes, medications can cause health problems which may further lead to problems with the unborn baby.
• Eat healthily. Have a good intake of calories. This will help your body and child nourish.
• Take plenty of rest. Sleep for a minimum of 8 hours every night. Try to sleep for an hour during the afternoon. Sleeping and having a good rest will make you and your unborn baby feel good from the inside.
• Practice a healthy lifestyle. Do routine exercise and avoid taking drugs, alcohol, or smoking.

Treatment for FGR

• Frequent monitoring: try to have more than the nominated visit to your doctor. Consult a doctor for each and every movement you feel inside you. This is the most crucial period for the growth of both mother and the unborn baby. Keep a track of prenatal visits. 
• Tracking fetal movements: Your doctor may assist you regarding the movement of the baby inside the womb. They will give you instructions to keep the stomach upright and in the right position so that your unborn baby doesn’t get affected.
• Corticosteroid medicine
• Hospital stay
• Early delivery or emergency cesarean section

One of the best ways to help your baby is to keep the track of prenatal visits with your doctor. Monitor the baby’s kick and movement. A baby moving inside the womb may be a sign of healthy living. A baby who doesn’t move may be at risk of getting attracted by any kind of infection. If you notice that your baby is not moving, consult your doctor immediately.

Another way to help your baby is to take good care of the mother’s body. Make them feel good from the inside. Make them eat healthy, fresh fruits, vegetables, etc. try to keep a track of your 8 hours sleep.

How does it feel when your baby is living with FGR?

• If your baby is affected by FGR, there may be chances of early delivery. The time of delivery depends on the health of your child growing inside the womb. Sometimes, a baby may appear smaller than usual. If testing suggests that something is wrong with the baby, your doctor may suggest you have an early delivery. In that case, your doctor may induce you to watch closely the heartbeat or heart rate of your baby. Keep track of what the doctor is saying.
• A baby born with FGR may have the requirement of staying at the hospital. This is true for babies, especially those born early. They need to have a proper breathing rate and a normal feeding process. They must have gained weight before they are ready to go home.
• Babies born with FGR often catch normal height and weight when they reach two years of age. They start feeding normally and attempt to behave like other normal babies thereafter.

Conclusion

If you are a regular smoker or drug inhaler, stop these habits to have a baby in your womb. These things may cause Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR). In case you were affected by FGR during your first pregnancy and it persists during the second time also, it is possible that you may have any underlying illness. Check your health and visit the doctor. Your doctor may recommend ultrasound and doppler ultrasound to understand the risk factors or the number of weeks gestation. The hospital is fully-fledged with experienced staff and best-in-class infrastructure so that none of the patients get deprived of immediate needs.

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