Study of fetomaternal implications in intrauterine growth restriction pregnancies

Background: Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a pathological condition in which a fetus has not achieved its genetic growth potential. FGR incidence is 6 times higher in underdeveloped and developing countries as compared to the developed world. Methods: This is a retrospective study done in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology, civil hospital and B. J. Medical college, Ahmedabad over the period of 6 months from December 2022 to May 2023. A total of 30 cases of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) pregnancies were studied. Results: Majority of the study population, 60% belonged to younger age group of 20-30 years. Multiparity was associated with IUGR babies. Majority of patients i.e. 76.66%. Presented at gestational age of ≥37 weeks and 23.33% at <37 weeks. Most IUGR babies (73.33%) had a birth weight between 2 to 2.5 kg. One third of babies required NICU admission while the perinatal mortality was 10%. Doppler changes in umbilical artery were noted in 27% of cases of IUGR. Among risk factors anemia, preeclampsia and oligohydramnios had equal contributions at 10% each. Previous history for SGA baby is a significant association in 16% of cases. Induction of labor was done in 60% cases, 63% were delivered vaginally and rest via lower segment caesarean section (LSCS), the most common indication of LSCS was fetal distress. Conclusions: The study concluded that IUGR continues to be one of the major etiological factors for fetal morbidity and mortality and increase in rates of LSCS contributing maternal morbidity. IUGR was commonly observed in multigravida patients lacking antenatal care. Anemia and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy as well as oligohydramnios are the potential risk factors for IUGR.