Summary of Important Concepts

Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR), formally know as intrauterine growth retardation, occurs in approximately 10 percent of pregnancies. The detection of this problem is of paramount importance because of the high risk for adverse outcome that includes brain damage (cerebral palsy, developmental delay, etc.) as well as long term health problems that may manifest later in life (heart disease, etc). Unfortunately, this problem is often not detected because ultrasound is not routinely offered during the third-trimester of pregnancy in the United States. For this reason, the 3D/4D Screening Examination of the Fetal Heart and Face is an option for patients when their insurance company will not allow them to undergo a third trimester study. The reason for this is because during this study measurements of fetal growth are done to screen for growth abnormalities.

For a detailed review of this topic, click the titles to the left of this text.

To review other topics, or make an appointment for a test, click the HOME PAGE button.