What is the definition of Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)?

Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) is defined as a condition where a fetus does not grow to its expected size in the womb and can be diagnosed when the fetal weight is below the 10th percentile for its gestational age. Recognizing IUGR typically involves various parameters, but the crucial measure is fetal weight relative to gestational age. Falling below the 5th percentile indicates a more severe form of growth restriction.

By accepting that both the criteria of weighing less than the 5th percentile and less than the 10th percentile indicate IUGR, it’s evident why the combination of both offers a complete picture of the condition. The classification signifies varying degrees of growth restriction and highlights that while both metrics are important, identifying IUGR can rely on more than just a single threshold.

The Doppler abnormalities mentioned in one of the options serve as a supplemental diagnostic tool that assesses blood flow to the fetus but are not the primary defining criteria for IUGR. Thus, combining both percentile thresholds provides a more comprehensive understanding of the diagnosis.