Intrauterine Growth Restriction Diagnosis

The test to help diagnose and monitor a baby with IUGR is ultrasound, as the baby can be measured to provide an estimated weight. This test may have a 10% margin of error of under- or over-estimating the weight.

Ultrasound also makes it possible to study the functioning of the placenta using a technique called Doppler, which does not place either the mother or baby in any type of risk.

Ultrasound also assesses the wellbeing of the baby by evaluating the amount of amniotic fluid, foetal movements and certain foetal flows (using Doppler) that express how the baby is tolerating being small.

If the maternal-foetal medicine team deems it appropriate in certain cases, testing, such as maternal blood tests or even an invasive test such as amniocentesis, is recommended to rule out other possible causes.