Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR): Overview

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a problem with your baby's growth during pregnancy. The growing baby (fetus) is smaller than expected for how long you've been pregnant. (How long you've been pregnant is called the gestational age.) A fetus with IUGR weighs less than the 10th percentile. This means they're smaller than 90% of those with the same gestational age.

A fetus with IUGR may be healthy—just small. Or the development of their organs and tissues may have been affected. There can be some other problems.

Throughout pregnancy, you'll have tests and checkups to see how the fetus is growing.

Many babies with IUGR are also born small for gestational age (SGA). This means that they're born weighing less than expected. They will likely need special care. And they may need to stay in the hospital until they can eat, breathe, and stay warm on their own.