Intrauterine growth retardation

Alternative names:

dysmaturity; low birth weight; small for gestational age

Treatment:

There is no specific treatment. An adequate calorie intake should be maintained in these infants.

Expectations (prognosis):

There is a poorer long-term outlook for the general development in infants with intrauterine growth retardation. There may be "catch up" growth in infants whose growth retardation was caused by malnutrition.

Complications:

• Birth asphyxia, or lack of oxygen during the birthing process may occur if the growth retardation is due to insufficiency of the placenta.
• Meconium aspiration (aspiration of amniotic fluid that is contaminated with the infant's first stool) may occur as a result of stress during delivery.
• There may be low blood glucose levels during the first hours or days of life.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with the health care provider if you are pregnant and the baby seems very small.

Also call if an infant or child does not seem to be growing or developing normally.