Small babies Flashcards
(40 cards)
Factors used to calculate the optimal weight of a newborn:
Gestational age Mothers weight and height Fetal gender Parity Ethnic group Altitude
A bigger baby may be:
Male
2nd baby
Larger mother
Size vs Growth
Size = one measurement Growth = multiple measurements
After 40 weeks the placenta …
gets older, can slow growth
Baby’s growth slows or stops during pregnancy =
Intrauterine growth restriction
Dangers for bigger babies:
Can’t be delivered
Diabetic - may be hypoglycemic
Dangers for smaller babies:
Hypoperfusion inside uterus
Morbidity of small babies:
Birth asphyxia Mechanical aspiration Hypoglycaemia Hypothermia Long-term problems
Mortality of small babies is related to:
Getational age
Severity of IUGR
Cell growth at 0-14 weeks:
Hyperplasia
Cell growth at 16-32 weeks
Hyperplasia and hypertrophy
Cell growth at 32 weeks +
Hypertrophy and fat deposition
Depending on the time of the insult, growth restriction can be:
Symmetrical
Asymmetrical
Symmetrical growth restriction:
Early insult
Asymmetrical growth restriction:
Later insult
Early/symmetrical growth restriction:
Effects number and size of cells. Proportional reduction.
Decrease in abdo and head circumferences
Late/asymmetrical growth restriction:
Affects cell size, reduces fat deposition and liver size. Decrease in abdomen greater than head.
Ex of causes of symmetrical IUGR
Infection/Viral
Chemical exposure
Chromosomal
Ex of causes of asymmetrical IUGR
Pre-ecclampsia
Placental insufficiency
4 causes of fetal growth restriction:
- Maternal
- Fetal
- Placenta
- Uterine
Maternal factors:
Smoking
Alcohol
Anaemia
Medical disease: CVD, renal, hypertension
Fetal factors:
Structural abnormalities
Chromosomal abnormalities
TORCHS infections
TORCH:
Toxoplasmosis Rubella CMB Herpes Syphillis
Placental factors:
Abruptio placenta Placenta praevia Infarction Vasculitis Calcification Umbilical abnormalities
