Clinics in Mother and Child Health

Prevention and Treatment Strategies for Growth Irregularities in Newborns

Russell Tully^* Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Rotunda Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
^*Correspondence: Russell Tully, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Rotunda Hospital, Dublin, Ireland, Email:

Received: 17-Apr-2023, Manuscript No. CMCH-23-21720; Editor assigned: 20-Apr-2023, Pre QC No. CMCH-23-21720 (PQ); Reviewed: 04-May-2023, QC No. CMCH-23-21720; Revised: 11-May-2023, Manuscript No. CMCH-23-21720 (R); Published: 18-May-2023, DOI: 10.35248/2090-7214.23.S16.003

Description

Growth abnormalities in fetuses and infants are among the most common birth anomalies, and they can have serious implications for a child’s health. However, with early diagnosis and treatment, many of these issues can be managed and even reversed. In this article, we will explore the most common growth abnormalities of fetuses and infants, their causes, and the available treatments.

Growth abnormalities of fetuses and infants refer to any deviation from the normal growth expected during pregnancy or the first year of life. These abnormalities can range from minor to severe and can affect nearly any system in the body. Some of the most common growth abnormalities include Small for Gestational Age (SGA), Large for Gestational Age (LGA), Failure to Thrive (FTT), Premature birth.

Small for gestational age (SGA) refers to babies that are born much smaller than average. These babies may weigh less than 5.5 pounds, or 2.5 kilograms, at birth, or have a head circumference smaller than the 10th percentile for their gestational age. SGA babies are at greater risk for respiratory distress syndrome, hypoglycemia, and jaundice. Large for gestational age (LGA) babies are those that weigh more than 8.8 pounds, or 4 kilograms, at birth. These babies are more likely to have obstructed labor and may require cesarean delivery. LGA babies are more likely to have complications such as shoulder dystocia and birth trauma.

Failure to Thrive (FTT) refers to infants who are not growing as they should. FTT can be diagnosed when a baby is not gaining weight, length, or head circumference at the expected rate. FTT is usually diagnosed after 12 months of age. Premature birth is the delivery of a baby before the 37^th week of pregnancy. Premature babies are at greater risk for respiratory distress syndrome and other complications such as jaundice, vision problems, and developmental delays.

Causes of growth abnormalities in fetuses and infants

Growth abnormalities can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, environmental factors, and maternal health. Genetics is one of the most common causes of growth abnormalities in fetuses and infants. Genetic disorders such as Down syndrome, Turner syndrome, and Klinefelter syndrome can lead to growth abnormalities. Environmental factors such as maternal nutrition, maternal smoking, and maternal alcohol use can all affect fetal and infant growth. Poor nutrition during pregnancy can lead to growth abnormalities in fetuses and infants, as can smoking and alcohol use. Maternal health can also affect fetal and infant growth. Maternal health conditions such as diabetes, chronic hypertension, and thyroid disorders can all lead to growth abnormalities.

Diagnosis and treatment

Growth abnormalities can be diagnosed during pregnancy with ultrasound, or after birth with physical examinations. Treatment for growth abnormalities depends on the severity and underlying cause.

Medications: If the underlying cause is a medical condition, medications may be prescribed to handle it. For example, insulin may be prescribed to handle diabetes, and thyroid hormone may be prescribed to handle thyroid disorders.

Dietary and lifestyle changes: If the underlying cause is poor nutrition or environmental factors such as smoking or alcohol use, dietary and lifestyle changes may be recommended. This may include increasing caloric intake, supplementation, or eliminating smoking and alcohol use.

Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be recommended to correct structural abnormalities. For example, if the baby has a cleft lip or palate, surgery may be recommended to correct the defect.

Prevention of growth abnormalities is important in order to reduce the risk of physical and cognitive impairments. Pre-natal prevention involves avoiding environmental exposures, such as smoking or alcohol consumption, and receiving regular prenatal care. Post-natal prevention involves avoiding environmental exposures, such as poor nutrition or exposure to toxins, and receiving regular medical care.

Conclusion

Growth abnormalities of fetuses and infants are among the most common birth defects. These abnormalities can have serious implications for a child’s health, but with early diagnosis and treatment, many of these issues can be managed and even reversed. If one is concerned about the baby’s growth or development, it is important to talk to the doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can help ensure baby’s health and wellbeing.