Small fetal size or intrauterine growth retardation is a pathological condition that can lead to a number of complications and problems and affect the health of the fetus even after birth. In this article, learn about the reasons Small size of the fetus And ways to deal with this situation and how to increase the weight of the fetus.

Small size of the fetus

The small size of the fetus is a pathological condition that means that the size of the fetus is smaller than the normal rate during the weeks of pregnancy and does not grow at the normal rate. This condition can occur at any time during pregnancy, and affects the size of all organs and systems of the body, which leads to many problems and complications.

Reasons for the small size of the fetus

Many factors affect the weight of the fetus and can lead to its small size, including:

• Placenta problems.
• Pregnancy with twins or more.
• Preeclampsia.
• Birth defects or abnormal changes in the chromosomes of the fetus.
• Maternal high blood pressure or heart disease.
• The presence of kidney problems in the mother.
• Malnutrition.
• Infection with a chronic disease.
• Maternal bleeding disorders.
• Maternal diabetes.

Complications of a small fetus

The small size of the fetus or the delay in its growth inside the womb affects the health of the fetus after birth and causes several complications and problems, including:

• The possibility of surgical intervention increases with caesarean section instead of natural delivery.
• Fetal hypoxia after birth.
• Infection of the fetus with meconium aspiration, which involves the fetus swallowing part of the amniotic fluid, which may lead to more serious complications.
• Decreased fetal blood sugar level after birth.
• Increased number of red blood cells.
• Infection of the fetus with hyperviscosity syndrome as a result of an increase in the number of red blood cells.
• Neurological and motor impairments.

Treating a small fetus

Treatment for this condition depends on the duration of pregnancy, as:

• If the gestational age is 34 weeks or more, the doctor may suggest inducing labor at an early stage.
• If the gestational age is less than 34 weeks, the health of the fetus and the amount of amniotic fluid are closely monitored until the pregnancy passes this stage and exceeds the age of 34 weeks.

How to increase the weight of the fetus during pregnancy

Here are some important tips to increase the weight of the fetus to reach the normal range during pregnancy:

Follow a healthy diet

Diet plays an important role during pregnancy, in addition to providing the nutrients needed by the body, it helps to increase the weight of the fetus, so make sure to eat fruits, vegetables, different types of whole grains, and protein sources such as meat and chicken.

Maintain nutritional supplements

The nutritional supplements prescribed by the doctor for the pregnant woman are an important factor for the health of the pregnancy, even with eating healthy foods, and they also help to increase the size of the fetus.

Get enough iron

The presence of iron in the body is necessary for the production of red blood cells that carry oxygen to all parts of the body and deliver nutrients to the fetus, and it also helps to overcome the feeling of fatigue, fatigue and stress, so you must make sure that you get enough iron from nutritional supplements and legume foods such as lentils Chickpeas and vegetables such as spinach and broccoli.

Maintaining body moisture

Make sure to drink adequate amounts of water and fluids to avoid dehydration, as dehydration in pregnancy can lead to very serious problems and complications.

And now, dear reader, that you know the reasons Small size of the fetus And methods of treatment and how to increase the weight of the fetus during pregnancy, consult your doctor when you notice any symptoms or abnormal changes that appear during pregnancy, with my best wishes for continued health and wellness.