In the last few months of pregnancy, growth can slow if a fetus is deprived of oxygen or essential nutrients. Babies born with a low weight for their gestational age but with a normal head circumference and length may have intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Such babies may have long-term cognitive and learning problems that may persist throughout childhood, say researchers from Israel.

Researchers followed 123 infants diagnosed with IUGR for 9 years and compared them with 63 children the same age who were born at a normal weight. Every year until they were 6, the kids with IUGR completed intelligence, learning, language, and creativity tests. At age 9, they again underwent cognitive testing so researchers could compare the results with the test scores of the kids without IUGR.

Overall, those with growth restriction had lower intelligence scores and more problems with creative problem solving, attention, and organizing. They also had less developed language skills compared with kids born at a normal weight. Those with IUGR also tended to have lower grades and learning difficulties at school.

What This Means to You. A child with a diagnosis of intrauterine growth restriction may be at higher risk for problems with academic performance and cognitive skills later in childhood. If your child's been diagnosed with a cognitive impairment, talk to your doctor or child's teacher about whether special therapy would be helpful.

Source: Ronny Geva, PhD; Rina Eshel, PhD; Yael Leitner, MD; Aviva Fattal Valevski, MD; Shaul Harel; Pediatrics, July 2006.

Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: August 2006