Detect RCIU by performing these steps

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or fetal growth retardation is one of the causes of disability and death in newborns, the second most important after preterm. IUGR is defined as a condition in which the growth of the fetus in the womb does not match the gestational age, so the baby is smaller than it should be.

Newborns with a body weight of less than 2500 grams, the risk of death increases 5 to 30 times more than babies born with an average body weight. The risk of dying a baby weighing less than 1,500 grams is even 70 to 100 times higher.

Any condition that causes an imbalance of blood flow in the placenta depending on the baby's needs can cause IUGR. The cause of IUGR is divided into four factors, namely genetic, placental, infant and maternal factors.
 
Type of IUGR

IUGR is divided into two types, namely:

• Symmetrical IUGR, where the baby's entire body is proportionally smaller.
• Asymmetric RCIU. Explain generally babies who grow up in poor nutrition. The body tries to focus blood flow to vital organs, such as the brain and heart. At the same time, other organs such as the liver, muscles and fat are sacrificed. The baby's head will look normal size, while the size of the stomach is smaller because of the small heart shape, arms and legs appear thin due to loss of muscle mass and skin. fine because of loss of adipose tissue.

Steps to detect IUGR
 
1. Determine the gestational age

The first step in detecting IUGR in infants is determining the right gestational age. It is important for every woman to know the date of the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP). Gestational age can be estimated using HPHT calculations, especially in women with regular menstrual cycles.

Another method is to use ultrasound (USG). Ideally, an ultrasound to determine gestational age is done at 8-13 weeks of gestation. If the ultrasound is done for 20 weeks, an error in determining the gestational age can occur and an IUGR is not detected.

2. Measurement of the maximum height of the uterus on the mother's abdomen

The next step is to monitor the growth of the baby, whether it is suitable for gestational age or not. In prenatal examinations of pregnant women, the height of the uterine fundus (FTU), the distance between the pubic bone and the abdomen of the pregnant woman, is measured.

This measurement roughly describes an increase in the mother's abdomen with an increase in baby size. The measurement results are compared with the average length of UFT based on gestational age. After 20 weeks of pregnancy, the duration of UFT is the week of gestational age.

It can be assumed that the baby has an IUGR if the measurement results are less than 3 cm from normal, or if the measurements are continuous, UFT does not increase with gestational age, which means that the baby does not grow according to the gestational period.

3. gain weight

Maternal weight gain can also be an indicator. IUGR is suspected if maternal weight gain is insufficient for gestational age or if it actually decreases.

4. Ultrasound examination

Ultrasonography is the main test for monitoring fetal growth. The measurements used are head diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference and femur length. The parameter that best describes IUGR is abdominal girth.

Ultrasound measurements should be compared to normal measurements according to gestational age. For this reason, determining the gestational age is very important. If the gestational age is uncertain, an ultrasound can be done every 2-3 weeks to monitor the growth of the baby. The amniotic fluid volume can also determine the presence or absence of IUGR. Amniotic fluid reduction is associated with IUGR.

Early detection of IUGR can reduce the risk of disability and death in newborns. That is why it is important for pregnant women to check their content regularly.

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