What causes a fetus to stop growing in the third trimester?

The most common cause is a problem in the placenta (the tissue that carries food and blood to the baby). Birth defects and genetic disorders can cause IUGR. If the mother has an infection, high blood pressure, is smoking, or drinking too much alcohol or abusing drugs, her baby might have IUGR.

What does it mean if your baby bump doesn’t grow?

If you feel your bump isn’t getting any bigger and your baby’s movements have slowed down, talk to your midwife and immediately get checked. These are the symptoms of a condition called intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR/FGR). It means the baby is not growing properly in the womb.

What causes a baby not to grow properly in the womb?

Often, IUGR happens because the fetus doesn’t get enough nutrients and nourishment. This can happen if there is a problem with: the placenta, the tissue that brings nutrients and oxygen to the developing baby. the blood flow in the umbilical cord, which connects the baby to the placenta.

What happens if your bump is measuring small?

There are plenty of reasons that a healthy baby may appear small. It could be that there isn’t much fluid around your baby. This may make your bump appear smaller, even if your baby is the right size. The position your baby’s lying in, and your own height, shape and tummy muscles can all affect the measurement too.

When should an IUGR baby be delivered?

The following are guidelines for delivering babies with IUGR: Baby has IUGR and no other complicating conditions: Baby should be delivered at 38-39 weeks.

When should I worry about fetal growth?

After the 20th week of pregnancy, the measure in centimeters usually corresponds with the number of weeks of pregnancy. A lower than expected measurement may mean that the baby is not growing as it should. Your doctor may suspect FGR if your baby is less than the 10th percentile for their gestational age.

When do I deliver my IUGR baby?

While timing the delivery of the late preterm/early-term IUGR fetus requires consideration of multiple factors (e.g. degree of growth restriction, etiology, amniotic fluid volume, and biophysical and Doppler testing), available data suggests that delivery should occur by 37 to 38 weeks for singleton IUGR fetuses.

What happens if baby’s growth slows down?

If your baby has FGR, there is an increased risk of complications in pregnancy. Sadly, this can include stillbirth. But your healthcare team will monitor the baby’s growth and wellbeing closely to reduce the risk of this happening. They will also talk to you about the best time for you to give birth.

Should I be worried if my baby bump is small?

Yes, it’s most likely normal to have a small baby bump. You may feel like you don’t look pregnant yet, even if you’re already into your second trimester, but it’s important to know that there isn’t a specific time when moms-to-be are supposed to start showing.

What happens if baby measures small at 38 weeks?

If your baby measures smaller than expected, we’ll confirm its size with an ultrasound. “Generally, growth restriction is associated with either maternal risk factors, fetal anomalies, or a problem with the placenta – and sometimes a combination of these situations.

How can I increase my IUGR weight of my baby in the womb?

You can do five important things to help your baby grow big enough before it’s born:

  1. If you smoke—quit now.
  2. If you drink alcohol—quit now.
  3. If you use illegal drugs—quit now.
  4. Eat a good diet.
  5. Keep all your appointments for doctor visits and tests.