What is the CIRC? It is likely that these acronyms do not sound familiar to you, but the medical condition to which they refer: retarded intrauterine growth. This occurs when the fetus does not reach the expected weight and size for its gestational age. A problem with different causes and consequences that we are analyzing today.
Retarded intrauterine growth affects approximately 10% of pregnancies and can have significant implications for the health of both the baby and the mother. Detecting it and addressing it effectively is the key to alleviating the consequences.
The causes
In most cases, CIR appears when the baby not getting enough nutrients and oxygen through the placenta. It can manifest from the 20th week of pregnancy, however it is not usually diagnosed until the last stages of pregnancy.
The causes of retarded intrauterine growth are diverse and include maternal diseases, genetic factors, placental insufficiency, fetal malformations, or tobacco or alcohol use. Discover the most common below:
- placenta problems: The placenta is responsible for supplying nutrients and oxygen to the fetus. When this does not work properly, it can cause fetal growth restriction.
- Maternal hypertension or preeclampsia: A high blood pressure in the mother it can hinder proper blood circulation to the fetus, which can also lead to poor growth.
- Maternal diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes during pregnancy can affect fetal growth by increasing blood glucose levels, which can influence the proper development of the fetus.
- Congenital abnormalities: Some genetic anomalies or malformations of the fetus may also be responsible for retarded intrauterine growth.
- Use of alcohol, tobacco or drugs: The consumption of these substances during pregnancy can have negative effects on fetal development.
- Maternal infections: Some infections such as toxoplasmosis, rubella, or cytomegalovirus can affect the development of the fetus and, therefore, cause CIR.
- Socioeconomic factors: Lack of access to adequate medical care, inadequate diet, poor quality of life, or unfavorable socioeconomic conditions can undoubtedly increase the risk of CIR.
Given the evidence that this problem exists, it is essential to have a complete medical evaluation to determine the specific cause and thus receive the appropriate treatment to alleviate the consequences.
Consequences
The consequences of CIR can be significant in both the short and long term. Pregnant women who experience CIR may be at increased risk of complications during childbirth. And also develop chronic cardiovascular diseases or type 2 diabetes and complications in subsequent pregnancies.
And the babies? Babies affected They may have low birth weight, reduced muscle mass and fat. But also delayed neurological development, respiratory problems, hypoglycemia and increased risk of chronic diseases in adulthood, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
The treatment
It is essential that professionals be alert and perform a regular monitoring of fetal growth During pregnancy. This will make it possible to detect CIR and implement adequate measures to monitor and treat this condition, guaranteeing the health of both the baby and the mother.
In more moderate cases, get plenty of rest, avoid strenuous activities and stressful situations, and maintain a balanced diet and healthy to favor the growth of the fetus will be key. It may also be necessary to prescribe nutritional supplements to the mother to improve the conditions of the fetus.
If the CIR is due to a disease such as hypertension or diabetes, it is important to control these conditions during pregnancy to reduce the risk of complications and support fetal growth. Likewise, if problems are detected in the placenta, such as placental insufficiency or placental abruption, a specific treatment to address these problems and improve fetal growth.
Treatment for CIR must be individualized according to the case and supervised by a doctor specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. In addition, it is necessary for the mother to follow the medical indications and recommendations to guarantee the best result for both herself and the fetus.