Understanding Fetal Growth Restriction

A guide for expectant parents

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What Is Fetal Growth Restriction?

Your baby's estimated weight is below the 10th percentile.

This means your baby is smaller than 90 out of 100 babies at this stage of pregnancy.

Two Different Situations

Constitutionally Small

Baby is naturally small but healthy. Placenta is working well.

Growth Restriction

Baby isn't getting enough nutrients. Placenta needs monitoring.

Our job is to figure out which one and monitor closely.

Why Does This Matter?

The placenta delivers oxygen and nutrients to your baby.

When growth is restricted, we need to check if the placenta is working hard enough.

Our Goal: Finding Balance

We balance two things:

✓ Giving baby more time to grow inside

✓ Ensuring baby stays safe and healthy

We monitor carefully to make the safest choice.

What Happens Next?

Regular Monitoring Begins

Test How Often What It Shows
Growth Ultrasound Every 3-4 weeks Baby's size and growth pattern
Doppler Ultrasound Every 1-2 weeks Blood flow through placenta
Non-Stress Test 1-2 times per week Baby's heart rate and movement

Understanding Doppler Ultrasound

This special ultrasound measures blood flow in the umbilical cord.

Umbilical Artery: The blood vessel that carries blood from baby to placenta. High resistance means the placenta is working harder.

Normal Doppler = placenta is keeping up well

Your Monitoring Journey

Diagnosis
EFW <10%
Monitoring
Weekly tests
Assessment
Placenta function
Decision
Timing delivery

When Might Delivery Happen?

Timing depends on how the placenta is functioning.

The goal: deliver when it's safer outside than inside.

Delivery Timing Scenarios

Situation Typical Timing Why
Growth restriction with normal blood flow 38-39 weeks Near full-term with monitoring
Severe growth restriction 37 weeks Earlier delivery reduces risk
Abnormal placental blood flow 33-37 weeks Placenta showing strain

If Early Delivery Is Needed

Steroid Injections: Help baby's lungs mature before birth

NICU Support: Specialized care ready if baby arrives early

Continuous Monitoring: Close watch during labor

We prepare for early arrival to keep baby safe.

What Can You Do?

  • Attend all monitoring appointments — this is how we track safety
  • Rest when possible — lying on your left side may help blood flow
  • Eat nutritious meals — though supplements won't fix FGR
  • Track baby's movements — report changes immediately

What Research Shows

Some things do not improve fetal growth restriction:

✗ Nutritional supplements or extra vitamins

✗ Bed rest (though rest is still good for you)

✗ Blood thinners (unless prescribed for another reason)

The most effective intervention is close monitoring and timely delivery.

Labor and Delivery

Vaginal delivery is often possible with growth restriction.

You'll have continuous heart rate monitoring during labor.

C-section is recommended only if:

  • Baby is breech or other position concerns
  • Baby shows signs of distress
  • Severe placental problems exist

Questions to Ask Your Team

  • What percentile is my baby measuring at?
  • What do the Doppler studies show?
  • How often will I need monitoring?
  • When might we consider delivery?
  • What signs should I watch for at home?

We're partners in keeping your baby safe.

Remember

Most babies with growth restriction are born healthy.

Close monitoring helps us catch problems early.

We make decisions together based on what's safest for you and your baby.

Key Takeaways

✓ FGR means baby is smaller than expected

✓ We monitor placenta function closely

✓ Delivery timing depends on how baby is doing

✓ Your healthcare team is here to support you

Questions are always welcome.