Services and Programs
Neonatology
Conditions We Treat
Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Your baby has been diagnosed as having intrauterine growth restriction
(IUGR), a less than expected rate of growth while a fetus. Sometimes
when the uterine environment is not ideal (due to maternal illness,
problems with the placenta, or other factors), a baby doesn’t
grow as rapidly as expected.
Below are some problems that may be associated with IUGR and
some of the actions we will take to prevent possible complications:
-
Perinatal Asphixia (low oxygen levels that can occur,
before, during or after delivery)
We will follow your baby’s
oxygen levels by using monitors and doing blood tests. Your
baby may need extra oxygen or the
help of a ventilator to assist with breathing.
-
Hypoglycemia
(low blood sugar)
Babies who are small may have low blood sugar and fat stores.
We will follow this with blood tests. Your baby may need
IV fluids in addition to, or instead of, feedings to help
maintain his/her
blood sugar.
-
Hypothermia (low body temperature)
IUGR babies have decreased fat stores for both energy and insulation
and may need an isolette to help them stay warm. We may
need to limit the time your baby is being held outside the isolette.
-
Polycythemia
(high red blood cell count)
IUGR babies often have any increased number of red blood
cells. This may make
the blood “thick” and affect how easily the blood
flows in small blood vessels. We will check your baby’s
hematocrit (a measure of red blood cells). If it is too high,
your baby may need IV fluids or a
partial
exchange transfusion to help correct this.
-
Feeding Problems
Some IUGR babies have problems tolerating their feedings. They
may also need tube feedings until they are strong enough
to take a bottle or breast
feed every time.
-
Congenital Malformations and/or Congenital Viral Infections
IUGR babies may have been born to mothers who had a viral infection
during pregnancy. The illness may have been so mild that
the mother was
not even aware of it. Sometimes IUGR is associated with chromosomal abnormalities.
We may
do blood tests on blood from the umbilical cord, from you, or
from your baby to diagnose one of these conditions.
-
Length
of Stay in the Hospital
The length of your baby’s stay in the NICU will depend on how quickly
he/she resolves any of these problems. Before discharge, your baby will have
to take all feedings by mouth (bottle or breast), be growing steadily (usually ½ ounce
to one ounce per day) and be able to stay warm in an open crib.
