About Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Key Highlights
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Involves specialized, high-resolution ultrasound imaging for precise fetal assessment.Focuses on identifying the underlying cause of poor growth (placental, maternal, or fetal).Enables creation of a personalized, evidence-based management and delivery plan.Aims to prolong pregnancy safely to improve fetal maturity while preventing stillbirth.Multidisciplinary care involving maternal-fetal medicine specialists, neonatologists, and obstetricians.
Who is this surgery for?
- Ultrasound findings showing fetal abdominal circumference or estimated weight below the 10th percentile for gestational age.
- Discrepancy between fundal height measurement and expected gestational size.
- Known maternal conditions like preeclampsia, chronic hypertension, or advanced diabetes.
- Placental abnormalities detected on scan (e.g., abnormal cord insertion, placental insufficiency).
- Multiple gestation (twins/triplets) where one fetus is significantly smaller.
- Previous pregnancy complicated by IUGR or stillbirth.
How to prepare
- Detailed review of maternal medical history, previous pregnancies, and current symptoms.
- Initial comprehensive ultrasound to confirm diagnosis and rule out fetal anomalies.
- Maternal blood tests to check for infections, anemia, or clotting disorders.
- Counseling session with the fetal medicine specialist to discuss findings, implications, and the planned care pathway.
- Possible recommendation for lifestyle modifications like increased rest and optimized nutrition.
Risks & possible complications
- The primary risk is the underlying condition leading to potential fetal distress or stillbirth if not monitored closely.
- Increased chance of preterm delivery, either induced or via cesarean section, due to fetal compromise.
- Neonatal risks include low birth weight, difficulty maintaining body temperature, low blood sugar, and increased need for NICU care.
- Long-term risks for the child can include developmental delays or chronic health conditions, though many catch up after birth.
- Increased maternal anxiety and stress due to the high-risk nature of the pregnancy.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Recovery is primarily focused on the newborn, who may require care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for feeding support and monitoring.
- Maternal recovery depends on the mode of delivery (vaginal or cesarean).
- Post-delivery, the placenta is often sent for pathology to help determine the cause of IUGR.
- Close pediatric follow-up is essential to monitor the baby's growth, nutrition, and developmental milestones.
- Parents will receive guidance on feeding (which may involve fortified breast milk or special formula) and recognizing signs of illness in a growth-restricted infant.
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Typical hospital stay: Varies (Delivery dependent)
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Expected recovery time: Ongoing pediatric follow-up
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering intrauterine growth restriction in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with fetal medicine departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform intrauterine growth restriction. MediFyr helps you compare fetal medicines and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for intrauterine growth restriction compare across other countries where we have data.
Vivaan Davis, a 28-year-old first-time mother...
Vivaan Davis, a 28-year-old first-time mother and graphic designer, was thrilled with her pregnancy. At her 28-week anatomy scan, her obstetrician noted that her baby's abdominal circumference was measuring in the 5th percentile, significantly behind the head size. Vivaan had no symptoms, but her fundal height had plateaued over two appointments. Her doctor referred her to a fetal medicine specialist, who confirmed a diagnosis of asymmetric Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR), likely due to placental insufficiency. The specialist recommended twice-weekly biophysical profiles (BPPs) and Doppler ultrasounds to monitor the baby's well-being and blood flow, with the goal of getting as close to term as possible. For six weeks, Vivaan and her husband attended countless scans, each one a mix of hope and anxiety as they watched the umbilical artery Dopplers. At 34 weeks, the Dopplers showed reversed end-diastolic flow, indicating significant stress. An emergency C-section was performed. Baby Arjun was born weighing 3 lbs, 12 oz and spent three weeks in the NICU learning to feed and grow. Vivaan's emotional journey was a rollercoaster; the diagnosis shattered her vision of a 'perfect' pregnancy, filling her with guilt and fear. The constant monitoring was exhausting. After delivery, seeing her tiny but fierce son in the NICU was terrifying but also filled her with a protective, powerful love. Today, Arjun is a healthy, thriving toddler, and Vivaan feels the experience made her a more resilient and attentive mother.
Fetal Medicines for Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Explore experienced fetal medicines who regularly perform intrauterine growth restriction and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 8 Years Experience
- Fetal Medicine
- 10 Years Experience
- Fetal Medicine
Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- Fetal Medicine
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 33 Years Experience
- Fetal Medicine
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- Years Experience
- Fetal Medicine
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar