What do you know about developmental delay syndrome?

What do you know about developmental delay syndrome?

Intrauterine developmental delay syndrome is a condition in which the fetus is malnourished while still in the uterus, so the fetus is smaller than normal.

To learn more about this disease, pregnant mother, please refer to the following article!

What is developmental delay syndrome?

If the fetus is growing longer than expected and the ultrasound shows 10% lower than normal weight, the doctor will diagnose the fetus with developmental delay syndrome (IUGR).

 

There are many reasons for slow growth of pregnancy. In many cases, the fetus with developmental delay syndrome is caused by parents being young. There are also cases where the fetus appears small on an ultrasound but is of normal size at birth.

How do doctors diagnose growth retardation?

The doctor will evaluate the size of the uterus as well as measure the abdomen to check the development of the pregnancy during the first trimester antenatal check-up. If your abdomen is smaller than normal, your doctor will perform an ultrasound to determine the size and weight of your baby .

If you are in the first half of your pregnancy and this is your first ultrasound, a smaller pregnancy than usual could be due to a mismatch. This will happen if you miss the first date of the last cycle incorrectly or ovulate later than usual during the last cycle.

After the first ultrasound, you will have another ultrasound scan for a few more weeks to check the fetal growth. If a second scan shows a smaller than normal result, your doctor will diagnose the baby with slow growth syndrome.

The causes of fetal growth retardation syndrome

The fetus will not develop normally without receiving the oxygen and nutrients needed to develop. Certain genetic defects can also interfere with fetal development. Here are the most common causes of developmental delay syndrome:

Abnormalities in the placenta and the organ that supplies the fetus with oxygen and nutrients in the womb. The placenta may not work properly if it is too small or begins to separate from the uterus (the placenta is detachable). If the position of the placenta is too low in the uterus, this may slightly increase the risk of developing delayed fetal syndrome;

Pregnant mothers have conditions such as chronic blood pressure or pre-eclampsia (especially if pre-eclampsia is severe and diagnosed in the 2nd trimester or patient has chronic high blood pressure), kidney or heart disease , certain allergic conditions such as sickle cell disease, type 2 diabetes, blood clotting disorders, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome or severe lung disease;

Chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome or structural birth defects, such as a missing part of the brain or defects in the kidney or abdominal wall;

Pregnant mother with twins  or multiple pregnancies;

Pregnant mothers smoke, drink alcohol or use drugs;

Some infections that the mother elected to infect the fetus such as toxoplasmosis, CMV, syphilis or rubella;

Pregnant mothers take some drugs such as some anticonvulsants.

In addition, women who suffered from pre-pregnancy malnutrition, did not gain weight during pregnancy, and busy women often had a smaller baby than usual.

If you have any of the causes listed above, an ultrasound is needed to check your baby's development. In addition, if the pregnancy before the pregnant mother is stillbirth or the fetus is slow to develop, it is also necessary to re-ultrasound in the second or third trimester to check the growth of the fetus.

If the multi-point test shows high levels of AFP in the blood for no apparent reason, your doctor will continue to give you an ultrasound to find out if the pregnancy is delayed or not.

Hopefully the above information will help pregnant mothers have more knowledge about pregnancy for safe and healthy pregnancy!

 

Leave a Comment

How to Take Prenatal Vitamins When They Trigger Nausea

How to Take Prenatal Vitamins When They Trigger Nausea

Prenatal vitamins can worsen nausea, especially on an empty stomach. Learn practical timing and food adjustments, safer options to discuss, and when to call your pregnancy care team.

What Can Cause Leg Cramps During Pregnancy at Night?

What Can Cause Leg Cramps During Pregnancy at Night?

Nighttime leg cramps are common in pregnancy, but their exact cause is often unclear. Learn likely contributors, safe relief steps, and warning signs that need prompt care.

What Should You Pack When Hospital Storage Space Is Limited?

What Should You Pack When Hospital Storage Space Is Limited?

Pack a small hospital bag with the essentials, protect important medical aids, and check which items your hospital provides or restricts.

Pregnancy Swelling: When to Call for Same-Day Advice

Pregnancy Swelling: When to Call for Same-Day Advice

Learn when pregnancy swelling can wait for routine discussion, when to call maternity care the same day, and which symptoms need emergency help now.

Pregnancy Heartburn: Relief Without Skipping Needed Nutrition

Pregnancy Heartburn: Relief Without Skipping Needed Nutrition

Ease pregnancy heartburn with smaller meals, smart timing, and pregnancy-aware medication advice—without cutting nutritious foods or skipping prenatal supplements.

How to Prepare Older Children for a New Baby Without Pressure

How to Prepare Older Children for a New Baby Without Pressure

Help older children adjust to a new baby with honest, age-appropriate conversations, optional ways to join in, steady routines, and space for mixed feelings.

How to Sleep More Comfortably With Pregnancy Hip Pain

How to Sleep More Comfortably With Pregnancy Hip Pain

Try pregnancy-safe pillow positioning and gentle turning strategies for hip pain at night, and learn when persistent pain or other symptoms need medical care.

Why Can Morning Sickness Return After Several Better Days?

Why Can Morning Sickness Return After Several Better Days?

Morning sickness can ease and return as pregnancy symptoms fluctuate. Learn common triggers, practical steps, and when nausea or vomiting needs medical attention.

Why Can Fetal Movement Feel Different From One Day to the Next?

Why Can Fetal Movement Feel Different From One Day to the Next?

Fetal movement can feel different as pregnancy progresses, but a clear change in your baby’s usual pattern needs prompt attention. Learn what may affect what you feel and when to call.

A Flexible Birth Plan: How to Set Priorities and Prepare for Change

A Flexible Birth Plan: How to Set Priorities and Prepare for Change

Build a flexible birth plan by comparing pain relief, birth setting, support, and newborn care—and writing backup preferences for an unpredictable labor.