Causes of IUGR in pregnancy

Other possible contributors include maternal illness, infection, fetal chromosome or structural conditions, and exposure to nicotine or certain substances. Some fetuses are healthy and naturally small; ultrasound trends and placental assessment help distinguish small size from restricted growth.

Placental dysfunction can reduce the delivery of oxygen and nutrients. Conditions involving maternal blood vessels, such as high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia, may occur alongside this problem. Kidney disease, autoimmune disorders, severe anaemia and poor nutritional intake can also affect the environment supporting growth.

Fetal genetic or anatomical differences and some infections may alter growth directly. The timing and pattern matter: early, proportionate smallness with additional scan findings raises different questions from slowing abdominal growth later in pregnancy. In some cases, evaluation does not identify one definite cause.

Keep all maternity appointments and follow the personalised schedule for growth scans. Ultrasound can track fetal measurements, amniotic fluid and blood flow through the placenta and fetus. Later in pregnancy, fetal heart monitoring may add information about current wellbeing.

Your team may check blood pressure, urine and blood tests, review medicines and discuss stopping nicotine or other substances. Treatment focuses on maternal conditions and careful surveillance; bed rest or extra food cannot correct placental dysfunction. If remaining pregnant becomes less safe, the team may discuss induction of labour or caesarean birth according to the clinical circumstances.

Call your maternity unit immediately if fetal movements reduce or change from the pattern familiar to you. Do not wait until the next day or try to make the fetus move before calling. Follow local movement guidance because expected patterns vary with the stage of pregnancy.

Urgent assessment is also needed for vaginal bleeding, leaking fluid, regular painful contractions before expected labour, severe abdominal pain, a severe headache, visual changes, sudden facial or hand swelling, chest pain, shortness of breath, or a seizure. These warning signs drive urgency regardless of the estimated fetal size.

Ask whether the fetus is small or showing true growth restriction, what the blood-flow and fluid measurements indicate, how often surveillance is needed, and whether a maternal or fetal cause has been identified. Discuss which result would alter the birth plan, where birth should occur and what signs should trigger an immediate call.