Fetal Growth Issues (IUGR, FGR, SGA, LGA & Macrosomia)

Fetal Growth Issues in Dubai — IUGR, FGR, SGA, LGA & Macrosomia

One of the most important things we monitor during pregnancy is how well your baby is growing. When a baby measures smaller or larger than expected for the stage of pregnancy, it can be a sign that something needs closer attention. With detailed growth scans, Doppler blood-flow studies and expert interpretation, Dr. Lida Anwari assesses your baby’s growth precisely, identifies the cause and plans the safest way forward.

When the baby is measuring small: FGR, IUGR and SGA

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) — also called intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) — means the baby is not growing at the expected rate inside the womb, often because the placenta is not delivering enough oxygen and nutrients. A small-for-gestational-age (SGA) baby is one whose estimated weight is below the 10th centile for the gestational age. Some SGA babies are simply constitutionally small and healthy, while others are small because of growth restriction, which carries a higher risk and needs careful monitoring.

• Placental insufficiency — the most common cause of growth restriction.
• High blood pressure or pre-eclampsia in the mother.
• Multiple pregnancy (twins or triplets).
• Infections, genetic or chromosomal conditions.
• Smoking, poor nutrition or certain medical conditions.

When the baby is measuring large: LGA and macrosomia

A large-for-gestational-age (LGA) baby has an estimated weight above the 90th centile for the gestational age, while macrosomia describes a baby that is significantly larger than average (often estimated above 4–4.5 kg). A larger baby can increase the chance of a difficult delivery, shoulder dystocia, birth injury and the need for a cesarean, so it is important to identify and plan for it in advance.

• Gestational or pre-existing diabetes.
• Excess weight gain in pregnancy.
• A previous large baby or a family tendency to larger babies.
• Post-term (overdue) pregnancy.

How Dr. Lida Anwari monitors your baby’s growth

• Serial growth scans to plot your baby’s size and growth trend over time.
• Doppler ultrasound to check blood flow in the umbilical cord and key vessels.
• Amniotic fluid assessment and fetal wellbeing checks.
• Screening for underlying causes such as pre-eclampsia or diabetes.
• A clear plan for the safest timing and mode of delivery.

Whether your baby is measuring small or large, early detection and specialist monitoring make an enormous difference to outcomes. Dr. Lida Anwari, a certified maternal-fetal medicine subspecialist, performs and interprets every scan herself and stays closely involved in your care through to a safe delivery.

Concerned about your baby’s growth? Book your appointment today