Definition: Intrauterine growth restriction, or IUGR, describes unborn babies who are smaller than expected for their gestational age. Babies who are growth restricted will have weights below the 10th percentile for their gestational age. They may be born prematurely or at term.
There are many causes for IUGR, including:
- High blood pressure in the mother
- Problems with the placenta
- Mother smokes cigarettes
- Mother abuses alcohol or another substance
- More than one fetus
- Chromosomal disorders or birth defects
- Intrauterine infection
