DefinitionIntrauterine growth restriction refers to the poor growth of a baby while in the womb. Specifically, it refers to a fetus whose weight is below the 10th percentile for its gestational age.Alternative NamesIntrauterine growth retardation; IUGRCauses, incidence, and risk factorsMany different things can lead to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). An unborn baby may not get enough nutrition because of:Heart disease in the motherHigh altitudesMultiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.)Placenta problemsPreeclampsia or eclampsiaCongenital or chromosomal abnormalities are often associated with below-normal weight. Infections during pregnancy that affect the fetus, such as rubella, cytomegalovirus, toxoplasmosis, and syphilis may also affect the weight of the developing baby.Risk fa