New guidelines to help prevent growth problems in the womb to be issued today

After Irish research at seven hospitals revealed that over 1,000 babies experience growth restriction in the womb, doctors will be issued with new guidelines on how to prevent this problem.

 

Generally, the distinction between small but normal babies and small at-risk babies in the womb is not obvious and up until now, babies in the bottom 10% by weight were considered at the highest risk.

 

However, the Irish team now found that babies who are at the highest risk for growth restriction lie in the bottom 3% by weight.

 

According to Professor Fergal Malone, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, the new findings would change the practice of obstetrics internationally.

 

He thinks that the new guidelines are a very effective development for Irish obstetrics, which will also allow for focus on how to improve resources for obstetric ultrasounds.

 

Doctors think that it will be useful for both expectant-mums and their partners, since they will be better informed on the health of their unborn child.

 

The research was commissioned by Perinatal Ireland, a multi-centre all-Ireland consortium and the initiative was brought about by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.

 

With funding from the Health Research Board, the new guidelines will be issued to obstetricians, trainees and midwives today.