Low Birth Weight

One way of assessing baby's growth is the measurement of fundal height (height of the womb). At each antenatal checkup, the obstetrician would examine the abdomen to see whether it correspond with the gestational period. This gives the obstetrician a rough idea of how the baby is growing. From 20 to 28 weeks, fundal height is growing according to the gestational age. After 28 weeks, individual differences tend to appear and measurement of fundal height will become less accurate. Woman with small built tend to have a prominent tummy and thus looks bigger than that of an obese women. Similarly, pregnant women with lax abdominal muscles would appear to have a bigger tummy. If there is any discrepancy on clinical examination, the obstetrician would investigate further using ultrasound imaging.

When the fundal height is smaller than gestational age this may indicate that the baby is not growing appropriately, a condition known as intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). In this condition, the babies are smaller than they should be for their age. It is more common in first-time pregnancy, among teenage pregnant women and those over the age of 35. Ultrasound imagingis used in the diagnosis of IUGR. Various measurements of the baby's structures are made over a period of time to determine the severity of the condition.

Congenital abnormalities of baby can slow down its growth. Hypertension during pregnancy can affect the placenta and prevent it from providing adequate nutrients to the fetus. Infections such as German measles and toxoplasmosis may also affect baby's growth. Other factors that may contribute to low birth weight include previous low birth-weight infants, poor nutrition, heart disease, smoking and alcohol abuse.

There is no specific treatment that improves fetal growth. It is important to have good nutrition, adequate rest, and avoidance of cigarettes and alcohol during pregnancy. Ultrasound assessment of the baby's wellbeing will help the obstetrician decide the optimum time to deliver the baby.