FGR (fetal growth retardation) is one of the most common factors that often leads to the death of an unborn child. In addition, this condition causes a decrease in the baby's body weight and makes his body more susceptible to infections from the outside. Specialists at the “Other Gynecology” clinic provide effective treatment for mental retardation using innovative drugs and methods.
Causes
Fetal growth retardation most often occurs with fetoplacental insufficiency, which develops with poor fetal nutrition. Sometimes nutrition and oxygen are delivered but not absorbed. The following factors are the main ones in the development of mental retardation:
- diseases of the expectant mother (hypertension, diabetes, heart problems);
- deviations in the number of chromosomes, congenital defects, infectious processes;
- taking potent drugs;
- malnutrition, strict diet lacking minerals and vitamins;
- activities in hazardous industries;
- damage to the fetal membrane and placenta;
- problems with the course of pregnancy (multiple fetuses, multiple births, abruption or placenta previa, eclampsia, abnormalities in the structure of the umbilical cord);
- smoking and alcohol abuse;
- numerous abortions.
Diagnostics
When diagnosing mental retardation, the type and degree of growth retardation is assessed, the blood supply is determined, and the factors that cause the pathology are identified. The doctor conducts a visual and gynecological examination, and the height of the uterine fundus and abdominal circumference are also measured. After this, the following studies are carried out:
- Ultrasound. Examination of the placenta allows one to assess its size, tissue maturity, its structure and location in the reproductive organ, as well as detect lesions in individual areas. Additional Dopplerography (examination of umbilical cord vessels) allows identifying areas of vascular necrosis and the cause of poor fetal nutrition.
- Fetal fetometry. This method helps determine the size of the fetus using ultrasound. The doctor evaluates the circumference of the skull, chest, abdomen, and bone length. After this, the information obtained is checked against a table of standards for each stage of gestation.
- Phonocardiography. Assessing the functioning of the heart and blood vessels makes it possible to indirectly determine the degree of blood supply to the fetus using heart rate indicators. In case of rhythm disturbances such as tachycardia, arrhythmia, bradycardia, they speak of fetoplacental insufficiency.
An integrated approach to diagnosing fetal growth retardation using ultrasound and cardiac examination helps to get an idea of the baby’s physical condition. The doctor will be able to find out muscle tone, assess the activity of movements in the mother’s abdomen, reaction to stress, the severity of breathing and the amount of amniotic fluid.
Treatment
At the Other Gynecology clinic, doctors choose a treatment method taking into account the degree of fetal growth restriction, the severity of malnutrition and the general condition of the fetus. During treatment, mandatory monitoring of therapy is carried out using ultrasound, which determines the baby’s development indicators. The study is used every 7 and 14 days, the study of blood flow and blood vessels is carried out every 4-5 days. CTG allows you to assess the baby’s condition on a daily basis.
The following drugs are used as medical treatment:
- Drugs that improve blood circulation in the fetus. This effect can be achieved by angioprotectors and medications aimed at improving blood rheology. With increased uterine tone, doctors prescribe tocolytics, which reduce the tone of the uterus and facilitate blood flow in the vessels.
- Membrane stabilizing and antihypoxic drugs. These medications make your baby's tissues more receptive to nutrients and oxygen. Among them are instenon, actovegin, membrane stabilizers, antioxidants, etc. To further stimulate plastic processes, medications are used to generally strengthen the mother’s body.
If fetal malnutrition is at an initial stage, then gestation is extended to 38 weeks of pregnancy. If the baby's condition worsens within 2 weeks after the start of treatment, labor is induced artificially. In case of severe fetal growth retardation (grade 2 and 3), a caesarean section is performed.
