All You Should Know about Fetal Growth Restriction
Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR), medically known as Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR), is a condition in which a baby grows slower than expected inside the womb. It can impact the baby’s weight, development, and overall well-being if not identified on time. Understanding FGR early helps parents take the right steps for monitoring and treatment. This page explains the causes, signs, diagnosis, and management options. If you are searching for a fetal growth restriction specialist in Pune or need expert advice from an experienced IUGR specialist in Pune, you will find helpful guidance here. You will also learn how advanced fetal growth restriction treatment in Pune with Dr. Deepti Mittal supports a safer and healthier pregnancy journey.
What is Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR)?
Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR), also called Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR), is a condition where a baby does not grow at the normal rate inside the womb due to limited nutrition or oxygen. The baby becomes smaller than expected for the gestational age and needs close monitoring with Growth Scans, Doppler Scans, and fetal well-being checks.
FGR is more common in mothers with high blood pressure, anaemia, diabetes, infections, poor nutrition, or lifestyle risks like smoking. Early detection and proper management help reduce complications and support healthy outcomes.
Types of Fetal Growth Restriction:
- Symmetrical FGR: The baby’s whole body is smaller than expected from early pregnancy. It may be linked to genetic or chromosomal conditions, early infections, or early placental issues. This type requires detailed evaluation and continuous monitoring.
- Asymmetrical FGR: Seen later in pregnancy, where the baby’s head grows normally but the body and abdomen remain small. It usually happens due to reduced placental blood flow. With timely monitoring and treatment, outcomes are generally better than symmetrical FGR.
Common Causes of Fetal Growth Restriction:
FGR is usually linked to reduced blood flow from the placenta or conditions that affect the mother’s health. The most common causes include:
- Placental insufficiency (the placenta is not supplying enough oxygen or nutrients)
- High blood pressure, preeclampsia, or gestational hypertension
- Maternal anaemia or nutritional deficiencies
- Diabetes, thyroid disorders, kidney disease, or heart disease
- Multiple pregnancy (twins or triplets)
- Genetic or chromosomal abnormalities in the baby
- Maternal infections such as TORCH
- Lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol, stress, or inadequate diet
- Low amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios)
- Abnormal placental or umbilical cord structure
Understanding the cause helps your fetal medicine specialist plan the right monitoring and treatment.
Signs & Symptoms of Fetal Growth Restriction:
FGR usually does not cause pain or discomfort to the mother. However, some signs help in early detection:
- Baby movements feel reduced or have a different pattern
- Fundal height (uterus size) measures smaller during check-ups
- Mother’s weight gain is less than expected
- High-risk health conditions like hypertension or anaemia appear
- Ultrasound reports indicate lag in baby’s growth
- Decreased abdominal girth or baby’s abdomen measuring smaller on scan
Any change in baby movement is an important sign — mothers should report it to their doctor immediately.
How Fetal Growth Restriction Is Diagnosed?
Dr. Deepti Mittal uses advanced fetal scans to check the baby’s development, blood flow, and well-being. Key tests include:
Ultrasound Growth Scan:
This scan measures the baby’s head circumference, abdominal circumference, femur length, and weight estimation. It tells how far the baby’s growth is lagging.
Doppler Scan:
A Doppler Scan in Pune plays a major role in diagnosing FGR.
It checks blood flow in:
- Umbilical artery
- Middle cerebral artery
- Uterine artery
- Ductus venosus
Abnormal Doppler readings indicate that the baby is not receiving enough oxygen or nutrition from the placenta.
Amniotic Fluid Assessment:
Low amniotic fluid volume may indicate placental problems and risk of FGR.
BPP (Biophysical Profile):
Combines ultrasound and NST to check baby’s breathing, movement, tone, and fluid levels.
Done if doctors suspect heart-related growth concerns.
Risks Linked to Fetal Growth Restriction:
FGR can lead to complications if not monitored properly. Some possible risks include:
- Low birth weight
- Distress during labour
- Low amniotic fluid
- Reduced oxygen supply to the baby
- Preterm delivery
- Neonatal intensive care requirement
- Stillbirth in severe untreated cases
- Problems with feeding or maintaining body temperature after birth
With early detection and expert monitoring, most of these risks can be reduced significantly.
How FGR Is Managed During Pregnancy?
Managing FGR requires continuous and careful monitoring by a fetal medicine specialist. Treatment depends on the severity and cause.
Regular Growth Scans & Doppler Monitoring:
Frequent Growth Scans, Doppler Scans, and amniotic fluid assessments help track the baby’s health. In moderate-to-severe FGR, scans may be done weekly or even twice a week.
Improving Placental Blood Flow:
Doctors may recommend:
- Low-dose aspirin (if started earlier in pregnancy)
- Protein-rich nutrition
- Hydration
- Treating underlying conditions like anaemia, thyroid disorders, or hypertension
Monitoring Fetal Movements:
Daily kick-count monitoring helps mothers track the baby’s activity. Any reduction in movement is a red flag and requires immediate medical attention.
Hospital Admission (if needed):
If the Doppler shows abnormal blood flow or the baby is in distress, doctors may admit the mother for close monitoring.
Medications & Interventions:
If the baby needs support for early delivery, doctors may give steroid injections to help lung development.
Planning Early Delivery:
If scans show severe growth restriction or poor blood flow, early delivery may be the safest option for the baby.
When Should Delivery Be Planned for FGR?
Delivery timing in FGR depends on the baby’s growth, Doppler findings, gestational age, and the mother’s health. If scans show severe FGR or signs of distress, delivery may be required early—around 30–34 weeks. Moderate FGR is usually delivered between 34–37 weeks, while mild cases can continue safely till 38–39 weeks with close monitoring. Dr. Deepti Mittal, an experienced fetal medicine specialist in Pune, evaluates the baby’s condition at every step and plans the safest delivery time to protect both mother and baby.
How Can FGR Be Prevented?
While not all cases can be prevented, many risk factors can be controlled:
- Start pregnancy with preconception counselling
- Maintain healthy nutrition
- Take iron, calcium, and folic acid as advised
- Manage BP, diabetes, and thyroid disorders
- Avoid smoking or alcohol
- Attend all antenatal check-ups
- Get recommended scans on time
- Hydrate well and include high-protein foods
- Take adequate rest and avoid stress
Early screening and lifestyle care significantly reduce FGR risk.
When to Consult a Fetal Medicine Specialist?
You should see a Dr. Deepti Mittal if:
- Your fundal height is smaller than expected
- You have high blood pressure or preeclampsia
- The baby’s movements are reduced
- You had FGR in a previous pregnancy
- You have twins or triplets
- You have diabetes, anaemia, thyroid disorders, or kidney disease
- You receive abnormal ultrasound or Doppler reports
Early referral helps prevent complications.
Why Choose Dr. Deepti Mittal for FGR Care in Pune?
Dr. Deepti Mittal is a leading Fetal Medicine Doctor in Pune with expertise in:
- High-risk pregnancy care
- FGR and placental insufficiency management
- Advanced Doppler Scans
- Growth Scans and fetal well-being assessment
- Screening & management for preeclampsia
- Fetal genetic testing
- Twin pregnancy care
- Early fetal scans (NT, NIPT guidance, anomaly scans)
Her approach focuses on precision diagnosis, compassionate care, and safe outcomes for both mother and baby.
Final Advice for Expecting Mothers:
If your scan suggests Fetal Growth Restriction, do not panic. With the right monitoring and timely medical support, most babies with FGR do well. Regular scans, expert evaluation, and proper follow-up are key to a safe pregnancy. For trusted and specialised care, you can consult Dr. Deepti Mittal, Fetal Medicine Specialist in Pune.