During pregnancy, some mothers may face a condition of delayed fetal growth for two weeks, which is a condition that requires early diagnosis and close follow-up. The faster the diagnosis, the greater the chances of effective treatment to preserve the health of the mother and the fetus. Given the importance of this condition and its seriousness if it is not treated immediately; 

What is delayed fetal growth?

Delayed fetal growth, or what is called intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), is a condition in which the size or weight of the fetus is less than the normal range for its gestational age, meaning that the fetus does not grow as quickly as expected while it is in the uterus, as follows:

• Normal growth: Each fetus has an expected growth rate depending on its gestational age.
• Growth retardation: The fetal weight is less than 10% of the 10th percentile compared to fetuses of the same gestational age.

What are the symptoms of delayed fetal growth by two weeks?

Delayed fetal growth for two weeks is one of the common problems that some pregnant women may face, although the symptoms may not always be clear and the diagnosis is often made by ultrasound;

• The abdomen is smaller than normal for gestational age.
• Lack of fetal movement or weakness compared to what the mother is accustomed to.
• Decrease in the amount of amniotic fluid, which is fetal water, around the baby.
• The mother's weight gain slows or stops at the expected rate.
• Upon ultrasound examination, it appears that the weight of the fetus or the circumference of its head and abdomen is two weeks or more smaller than normal.
• Sometimes the condition may be accompanied by high blood pressure, preeclampsia, or symptoms of nutritional deficiency in the mother.
• A Doppler ultrasound examination may reveal problems with blood flow through the umbilical cord or placenta, affecting fetal nutrition.

Causes of delayed fetal growth by two weeks

Intrauterine Growth Restriction - IUGR, delayed fetal growth by two weeks can result from several reasons related to either the mother, the fetus, or the placenta, and here are the main reasons.

First: reasons related to the mother

• High blood pressure or preeclampsia affects blood flow to the placenta, reducing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus.
• Chronic diseases such as uncontrolled diabetes, kidney disease, lung disease, or heart disease.
• Malnutrition and lack of calories and essential nutrients, such as protein, iron, or vitamins.
• Smoking, drug or alcohol use all reduce blood flow to the fetus.
• Extreme stress or physical fatigue may affect the health of the pregnancy.
• Infection such as CMV infection or toxoplasmosis.
• Anemia, that is, iron deficiency or anemia, can reduce the supply of oxygen to the fetus.

Second: Reasons related to the placenta

• Placental problems such as partial placental abruption or placental insufficiency, which limits the transfer of nutrients and oxygen to the fetus.
• Blood flow disturbances in the umbilical cord, which may lead to nutritional deficiency.

Third: Reasons related to the fetus

• Congenital abnormalities such as certain genetic or chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, may lead to delayed growth.
• Fetal infection, such as infection with viruses or bacteria transmitted to the fetus.
• Pregnancy with twins or more, where twins compete for nutrition, leading to delayed growth of one or both of them.

Fourth: Other possible reasons:

• Exposure to environmental toxins such as chemicals or radiation.
• Obesity or underweight, both conditions may affect the growth of the fetus.
• Lack of rest and constant physical stress may affect pregnancy.

• Pregnancy at a late or very early age such as mothers over the age of 35 or under 17 may face higher risks.
• A previous history of growth retardation, meaning if it occurred in a previous pregnancy, it may recur.
• Low amniotic fluid can affect the growth of the fetus.

Learn about: أسباب قلة حركة الجنين؟ وكيف يمكن تحفيزها؟

How to diagnose delayed fetal growth by two weeks

Diagnosis of delayed fetal growth by two weeks depends on a group of medical examinations that are performed during pregnancy to evaluate fetal growth, and here are the main diagnostic methods.

1. Measurement of fundal height:

• The doctor measures the distance from the pubic bone to the top of the uterus, using a measuring tape during a routine examination. If it is less than expected for the gestational age, that is, a difference of more than about two weeks, the doctor may diagnose developmental delay.
• This test is not accurate on its own and requires confirmation with other tests.

2. Ultrasound (sonar):

• Ultrasound is used to measure fetal dimensions, such as head circumference, abdominal circumference, femur length, and the estimated weight of the fetus.
• If the measurements are less than the 10th percentile for gestational age, the fetus is diagnosed with developmental delay.

3. Doppler Ultrasound examination:

• It measures blood flow in the umbilical cord, fetal blood vessels, and placenta.
• It shows whether there is a deficiency in blood flow such as high resistance in the umbilical cord, which may indicate a lack of supply of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus.
• It helps in assessing the severity of developmental delay, and determining the extent of the risk to the fetus.

4. Amniotic fluid examination:

• The amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus is assessed via an amniotic fluid index (AFI) ultrasound.
• Low fluid intake may be related to delayed growth;

5. Monitoring fetal movement:

• The mother monitors the fetus's movements daily, such as counting 10 movements in two hours.
• Decreased movements indicate that the fetus is suffering from a lack of oxygen or nutrition.

6. Cardiotocography – CTG examination:

• It is used to monitor fetal heart rate and uterine contractions.
• Slow heart rate or abnormal patterns may indicate delayed growth or suffering in the fetus.

7. Maternal blood tests:

• Your doctor may order tests to check for conditions such as anemia, infection, or thyroid disorders.
• The presence of chronic diseases or infections may be a cause of delayed growth.

8. Genetic tests in specific cases:

• If your doctor suspects chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome, he or she may recommend amniocentesis or chorionic sampling (CVS), which is used to rule out genetic causes of growth retardation.

Diagnosis requires great medical experience in conducting various tests to confirm the condition. Therefore, we at the Women’s Health Center at Al-Mousa Hospital care about the details of women’s safety, through doctors with experience and internationally accredited certificates. The center is also equipped with the latest international medical equipment in the field of women’s health, so book now with the Women’s Health Center to follow up on the status of your pregnancy step by step.

Book your consultation now at مركز صحة المرأة At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital.

What are the methods of treating intrauterine fetal growth retardation?

The goal of treating delayed fetal growth for two weeks is to improve fetal growth, reduce risks, and ensure the safety of the mother and fetus. Here are the main methods of treatment.

1. Regular follow-up and examinations:

• Conducting periodic ultrasound and Doppler examinations to monitor the growth of the fetus, blood flow in the umbilical cord, and the amount of amniotic fluid.
• Evaluating the condition of the fetus and determining whether there is a deterioration that requires immediate intervention, and this is usually done every 1 to 2 weeks depending on the severity of the condition.

2. Improving nutrition for the mother:

• Follow a balanced diet rich in proteins, vitamins such as folic acid and vitamin D, and minerals such as iron and calcium.
• Improving the fetus’s supply of necessary nutrients by prescribing nutritional supplements if there is a deficiency in vitamins and minerals.

3. Comfort and reduce stress:

• Rest in some cases, especially if there is high blood pressure or blood flow problems.
• Reduce strenuous physical activity and avoid psychological stress;

4. Treating the mother’s medical conditions:

• Control high blood pressure or preeclampsia with appropriate medications, such as methyldopa or labetalol under the supervision of a doctor.
• Treating chronic diseases such as diabetes or anemia, as well as treating infections if they are present, such as urinary tract infections or viruses.

5. Prescribing medications under the supervision of a doctor:

• Low-dose aspirin: in cases of placental insufficiency or high blood pressure to improve blood flow.
• Corticosteroids: If there is a possibility of premature birth, the mother is given;
• Magnesium or other supplements: in cases of mineral deficiency.

6. Amniotic fluid control:

• If there is insufficient amniotic fluid, increased fluid intake may be recommended, or in rare cases fluid injection into the uterus may be performed;

7. Surgical intervention or premature birth:

• If tests show delayed fetal growth such as slow heart rate or severe lack of blood flow, early delivery may be the solution through induction or caesarean section.
• The decision to undergo surgery depends on the gestational age and health of the fetus;

Learn about: Normal weight of the fetus at birth And what affects it

When should you see a doctor?

You should see a doctor immediately if any of the following signs appear, which may indicate a problem that requires urgent medical evaluation:

• Decreased or cessation of fetal movement than usual.
• The abdomen becomes noticeably smaller or does not increase as the pregnancy progresses.
• High blood pressure or symptoms of preeclampsia such as severe headache, blurred vision, upper abdominal pain, or sudden swelling of the face or hands.
• Vaginal bleeding or abnormal discharge, abdominal pain or frequent cramps.
• If the doctor tells you that there is placental insufficiency, or a disturbance in the blood flow to the fetus, and therefore periodic follow-up is necessary.

Frequently asked questions about delayed fetal growth by two weeks

What is the reason for slow fetal growth?

It may be due to problems with the placenta, diseases in the mother such as high blood pressure or diabetes, malnutrition, smoking, or birth defects.

How do I make the fetus grow quickly?

By paying attention to healthy, balanced nutrition, rest, drinking water, stopping harmful habits, with regular medical follow-up and treatment of any illness in the mother.

What does it mean that the fetus is one week younger than its age?

There may be a slight difference in the calculation or a normal difference between the fetuses, but it requires ultrasound follow-up to ensure that growth continues normally.

Your health and the health of your child is a priority, so do not wait until the problem worsens. If you are suffering from symptoms of delayed fetal growth for two weeks, our specialized medical team at the Women’s Health Center at Al Mousa Specialist Hospital is ready to accompany you step by step, relying on the latest technologies.

مراجع طبية:

IUGR – kidshealth

Intrauterine Growth Restriction – my.clevelandclinic