IUGR
Many people may not be familiar with the acronym IUGR, but I am unfortunately very acquainted with it because one of my twins was affected by it. IUGR stands for Intrauterine Growth Restriction, and it is a very serious condition that can happen during pregnancy. For multiple births like mine, it is called SIUGR, or Selective Intrauterine Growth Restriction because it only affects one of the babies.
A baby inside the womb that has this condition is very small for its gestational age. According to WebMD, “…the baby’s estimated weight is below the 10th percentile — or less than that of 90% of babies of the same gestational age.” There are many things that can cause this, but often it’s the result of problems with the placenta or the umbilical cord resulting in the baby not getting enough nutrition.
There is not much that can be done, except for delivering the baby. It is a very scary game of wait and watch while you are pregnant.
In today’s Micro Preemie Monday, we meet mom, Jemma, who had to go through that extremely tough pregnancy. We will also meet beautiful Sophia who battled IUGR.
Sophia
1. Tell us about your baby
Sophia was born at 31 weeks 3 days, weighing 630 g/1 lbs 3 oz and length 29 cm.
2.How long was your NICU stay?What was the hardest part?
We had a 3 month NICU stay. The hardest part was being 7 hours away from any family support and feeling like I was doing the journey alone.
3. Do you know what caused your premature birth?
My daughter had developed IUGR due to clots within the placenta and cord which caused reversed blood flow.
4. How are you and your baby doing now?
My daughter is now a happy and healthy 14 month old who is starting to meet her milestones.
5. Do you have any advice for new preemie parents?
My advice is to reach out to doctors , nurses , family and other preemie mums when you just need someone to talk to. I found when I kept my feelings to myself I wasn’t able to feel a connection to my baby because I felt guilty. Once I talked about how I was feeling, I realized I was stronger and that I could do this journey.
Such wonderful advice from Jemma. I’m so happy I was able to share Jemma’s story, and beautiful Sophia. Please leave your comments of support below.replica rolex daytona stainless steel
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Thank you for sharing your story.
What a beautiful girl, a head of hair most would be jealous for. It’s gorgeous! 🙂
Your daughter is so beautiful! I am glad that she is doing much better now 🙂
Love,
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She is beautiful! I can’t imagine what you went through. Thanks for sharing.
That must’ve been so scary in the beginning! Sophia is beautiful, and I’m so glad she’s starting to meet her milestones.
I have never heard of this condition and now I know, so thank you. Sophia is such a pretty little girl and I love all her pictures! I’m so happy to hear that she’s doing well now. Keep on going strong!!
Sophia looks like such a beautiful and happy baby! I love her adorable smile! Jemma you are such a strong mother and I’m so impressed that you were able to realize the importance of leaning on others during such a difficult time! Sophia has a lot to look up to in you!
I am so glad that she is thriving now! Sophia is a beautiful little girl and I am sure that Jemma’s story will help other moms.
Wow, it’s so hard to even comprehend how tiny she was. But she’s so beautiful now! What a gorgeous head of hair!
What a beautiful baby girl!! I am so glad that she is doing well!
Wow – it’s just incredible to see how far she’s come and what a healthy girl she is today! Thank you for sharing your story!
What a gorgeous little one! Aww, how tiny. My little nephew was born at 31 weeks. These little fighters are so amazing!
What a beautiful and strong girl! Thank you for sharing her story!
I had to pin the adorable image. What a lovely little fighter! Strong mom and baby!
What a happy looking baby! Glad she is doing well.
As a mother of a severe IUGR baby, (who is coincidentally also called Sofia!), your story resonated with me. I was diagnosed with a IUGR baby at around 28 weeks of my pregnancy, and from thereon in, my pregnancy no longer became the joyful wonderous time of my life it had been up until that point. My daughter was delivered at 37 weeks, weighing 3lbs 12oz. The doctors could not offer an explanation of why she was so small (my health was good and all tests came back negative). Thankfully, she was healthy at birth and we were discharged from hospital a week later. It’s hard enough being a first time mum, but to also love and care for such a small baby was especially difficult. However, she has progressed really well and at 6 months was up to the 25th percentile. Thank you for sharing your story and putting the spotlight on IUGR. You and your daughter are fighters and I wish you both all the very best.
I’m so glad to hear your daughter was healthy. IUGR is such a scary condition, and not many are aware of it.