What should you know about IUGR risk factors?

The maternity team may review high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia, diabetes, kidney or autoimmune illness, smoking, substance exposure, poor nutrition, problems affecting the placenta, and a previous pregnancy affected by restricted growth. Multiple pregnancy and certain fetal or chromosomal conditions can also alter growth expectations. Sometimes no clear factor is found. A risk factor is a reason to tailor care, not evidence that a baby will definitely have a growth problem.

Attend routine and specialist appointments so blood pressure, urine, fundal height and fetal growth can be reviewed together. Take prescribed treatment and tell the team about medicines, smoking, alcohol or other substances without fear of judgement. Do not start supplements or change medication on your own. Depending on the concern, clinicians may use a Growth Scan, Doppler blood-flow assessment and Fetal Heart Monitoring to follow the baby’s condition.

Call your maternity service urgently if movements are reduced or different, or if you have bleeding, fluid leakage, regular painful contractions, severe headache, visual symptoms, upper abdominal pain, or sudden swelling with illness. These signs need assessment because they can indicate a pregnancy complication; they should not be judged by whether a known risk factor is present.

Ask which risk factor applies to you, whether it changes scan timing, how growth will be compared, and what blood-pressure or movement symptoms matter. Ask who to call at night and what findings could lead to earlier birth or Induction of Labour.