If you’ve been diagnosed with an Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR), I know you’re probably scared. I was, and I wouldn’t wish on anyone.
But my baby was born healthy and a normal size, despite the fact that she appeared small in the womb. So in some cases the diagnosis is incorrect, and the baby is completely fine.
I know this is small comfort for those of you who actually have IUGR babies, and I’m so sorry about that…It’s not my intention to offend anyone, or to make light of the condition. I am simply sharing my experience.
And I want women who received this scary diagnosis during the pregnancy to know that it’s not always accurate, and that there is hope.
Here is my story.
How I Was Diagnosed With the Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)
Even though I was 35 years old and terrified of the prospect of having a child, I’ve had a great pregnancy. After the taxing first trimester I got a hang of it and pretty much sailed through the rest.
There were some challenges – typical stuff like fatigue, heartburn, frequent urination – but nothing major. I’ve gained about 30 pounds, and ate normally, without distinct cravings or food excesses.
Except for one minor hiccup with the announcement, being pregnant turned out to be joyful, easy and exciting.
I’ve heard some horror stories from “veteran moms” about edema, debilitating lower back pain, preeclampsia, 9-month long nausea… I’ve experienced nothing of the sort.
Still, because of my “advanced age” I had to see the doctor every month for ultrasound, and have some additional tests done. But other than that, I was like any other healthy expectant woman.
At week 32 I was at my OB/GYN’s office for a routine ultrasound when she uttered the words “intrauterine growth restriction.” That’s medical lingo for “the baby’s too small for her age.”
I was ordered to increase my calorie intake, especially proteins and fats, do non-stress tests twice a week (to monitor heartbeat and water level), and a detailed ultrasound in the radiology department.
She also said that if she doesn’t see the growth at the next appointment, we will have to get the baby out early.
At that point I was worried but not panicked.
I got home and had a big lunch, eating more than I normally would. I tried to distract myself and think positive. But who was I kidding?Eventually I settled in bed with my laptop and googled IUGR.
BIG MISTAKE!
The more I researched IUGR, the more freaked out I got.
WebMD informed me that IUGR babies can be born with a plethora of health problems. “In the most severe cases,” the article stated, “IUGR can lead to stillbirth.”
That’s when I lost it.
My husband got home and found me sobbing in a fetal position. I shared my “findings” with him, and he cried too.
That was the most unbearable, most terrifying moment of my pregnancy – us in bed, crying and praying that the baby’s OK.
And she was. A few weeks later she was measuring bigger – still smaller than 80% of babies her age, but there was progress.
At 38 weeks she measured around 6 pounds, which is totally normal.
At 41 weeks I gave birth to a healthy baby girl of 7 pounds and 4 ounces. I’ve had an uncomplicated (albeit long) vaginal delivery, and the baby had an Apgar score of 9.
So although we were never explicitly told that the IUGR diagnosis was false, clearly, it was. And here is why.
3 Reasons Why an IUGR Diagnosis Might Be False
One, ultrasounds are unreliable when measuring the size and the weight of the baby. Nobody told us that.
Two, I didn’t have any of the risk factors for developing IUGR, such as:
- High blood pressure or other heart and blood vessel disease
- Diabetes
- Too few red blood cells (anemia)
- Long-term lung or kidney conditions
- Autoimmune conditions such as lupus
- Very low weight
- A large amount of excess weight (obese)
- Poor nutrition or weight gain
- Alcohol or drug use
- Cigarette smoking
Three, after visiting every pregnancy forum I could find, I realized that many other expectant moms were misdiagnosed with IUGR by an overly-cautious OB/GYN (especially moms over 35, or “high risk” moms).
It’s not uncommon for doctors to over-prescribe drugs or treatments in order to protect themselves in case of a future lawsuit, or to bill additional services to the insurance company.
I’ve had over 10 ultrasounds and countless stress tests in the duration of 9 months, and I’m not so sure it was a good thing.
Those two weeks – from the time I learned the scary acronym “IUGR” to the next appointment – were the darkest time of my pregnancy, and maybe my whole life.
I can’t help thinking that my husband and I didn’t have to go through it.
But because I was deemed a “high risk” pregnancy based on the number 35, my OB/GYN immediately jumped to a devastating diagnosis based solely on the ultrasound.
If You Have a Legitimate Intrauterine Growth Restriction Diagnosis
In the end, everything was OK. Maybe we got lucky.
But unfortunately, sometimes IUGR is a legitimate diagnosis, and it’s important to catch it early in case the baby really is struggling to get the nutrients.
To the families who are dealing with IUGR, my heart goes out to you! Wishing you and your loved ones strength, patience and lots and lots of health <3
In all likelihood, your baby will be fine. After all, all babies are different, and the ideal size and weight are just approximations.
And the good news is, even if your baby was born on the smaller side, most children catch up to their peers by age 2.
Here are some wonderful support groups you can join to connect with other IUGR parents:
https://community.babycenter.com/groups/a6717293/iugr_pregnancy_and_beyond
https://www.facebook.com/groups/iugrsupportgroup/
Were you falsely diagnosed with IUGR while pregnant?
Lana is a San Diego-based copywriter, blogger, book author, and WAHM. Her super powers are sarcasm and making chocolate disappear. When she’s not working on her blogs or completing her doctorate in psychology, Lana enjoys crime mysteries, travel, and, regrettably, reality TV.