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Therefore, close supervision and appropriate care help support the healthy growth and development of an FGR baby.
Feed Your Baby Frequently
FGR babies may have lower energy reserves. Therefore, they may tire easily during feeding.So, feeding your baby regularly helps support healthy weight gain. This also reduces the risk of low blood sugar.
Your healthcare provider may advise you to:
- Breastfeed on demand or at regular intervals
- Avoid long gaps between feeds, including at night
- Burp your baby after every feed
Keep Your Baby Warm
Usually, babies with FGR often have less body fat. This makes it harder for them to maintain their body temperature at a normal level.The following tips can help you to keep your baby warm:
- Try maintaining skin-to-skin contact as much as possible
- Drape them in suitable clothing according to the weather
- Keep your baby’s room comfortably warm
- Dry your baby properly after bathing
- Avoid exposing the baby to cold environments
Attend Regular Growth Check-ups
Your baby's growth will be monitored more closely during the first few months after birth. These visits help your healthcare provider ensure your baby is growing steadily.Growth assessments usually include:
- Weight
- Length
- Head circumference
- Feeding pattern
- General health examination
What Tests or Scans May Be Needed After Birth?
It is not necessary that every FGR baby needs additional testing. However, some babies may require the following testing based on their overall health status:- Blood glucose test
- Temperature monitoring
- Blood tests (if needed)
- Newborn hearing screening
- Routine newborn screening
- Ultrasound scan or echocardiogram (if advised)
- Developmental assessment
Tips For Caring For Your Baby At Home
The following simple everyday interactions can support your baby's development:- Talking and singing to your baby
- Making eye contact during feeds
- Spending time holding and comforting your baby.
- Encouraging supervised tummy time when your paediatrician says it is appropriate
- Following a regular sleep and feeding routine
Attend All Your Follow-Up Consultations
With regular follow-up visits, your paediatrician can monitor your baby's progress. They can make timely treatment decisions by checking the following:- Growth and weight gain
- Feeding and nutrition
- Developmental milestones
- Vision or hearing, if needed
- Vaccination status
- Any ongoing medical concerns
When to Consult Your Doctor
You should consult a paediatrician if your baby:- Feeds poorly or refuses feeds
- Is unusually sleepy and difficult to wake
- Has a fever or feels unusually cold
- Breathes rapidly or has difficulty breathing
- Has bluish lips or skin
- Has fewer wet nappies than usual
- Vomits repeatedly or appears dehydrated
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FAQs on How to Care for a Baby Born With Foetal Growth Restriction (FGR)
- Can babies born with FGR achieve normal developmental milestones?
Many babies born with FGR achieve normal developmental milestones. However, timelines may vary for each child. Your baby may be supervised by regularly tracking their development and any possible issues. - How frequently should babies born with FGR be fed?
Babies born with FGR need to be fed often because they are low on energy and get tired easily when feeding. - Will every baby who is born with FGR need further testing after birth?
Not necessarily. Whether a baby will need further testing depends on various factors, including the baby’s birth weight, overall health, and whether the baby is preterm.