[chaser1113]

Hi,

We are looking at the medicals for a beautiful baby who was born at 32 weeks and weighted 3.85lbs. She had asymetirc intrauterine growth redtardation with possible sepsis and PVL. She apparently is doing wonderfully and has had a ton of tests which all seem to be OK. Any one have an experience with a similiar diagnosis.

We are are going to have her medicals sent to a Dr. specializing in International Adoption. But would also like to get the parents view.

Thanks
Angie

[noifun]

It means she has failure to thrive. I would question why they are saying "She is doing wonderfully?"

[starryeyes]

I don't have personal experience with that diagnosis, but just because she was born at 32 weeks doesn't necessarily mean she has FTT, and she could very well be doing wonderfully at this point.

Angie - I hope you get some helpful and informative responses. Good luck to you.

[022360]

Intrauterine growth retardation refers to a baby that does not grow normally in utero- smaller than expected. It is different from failure to thrive which is poor growth after birth. Head sparing means that the head growth was normal which can be encouraging as it would imply that the brain grew normally. There are many causes of IUGR so it is hard to make a prediction of how the infant will do without more information. An almost 4 pound baby at 32 weeks is not that small but again more information is needed. The information that is concerning is the PVL. Does this mean periventricular leukomalacia? That is a term for problems with the white matter in the brain which is associated with developmental problems. Do you have either cranial ultrasounds or CT scan of the head to be reviewed by your physician as well as updated weights and head circumferences that he/ she can review? An infant who was small at birth but has shown good growth of both weight and head circumference after birth I believe have better outcomes. Sorry I cannot be more specific about your child but hope I have helped to explain what some of the terms mean. Definately have the child's records reviewed by your physician.

Bev

[tlc4kidz]

My 13 yo bio-son was IUGR as a result of months of high blood presure and medication to prevent preterm labor....he weighed 5-7 at term. The baby is unable to get all the nutrients needed with the elevated bp, so doesn't grow as well. He is a challenge, but who knows if that has anying to do with his birth history. He has ADHD and some learning difficulties despite a near genius IQ. He's also very athletic and a real leader among his peers....and has a strong sense of morals, thank goodness.

I wouldn't worry so much about the IUGR, but would find out more about the other diagnoses. I also think that if you feel led to this child then you will together meet any challenges that arise. I believe you are wise for seeing what you could be up against and deciding with all the facts, but remember that no child comes with a guarantee to be healthy. A friend's child developed completely normally for the first 2 years, then began regressing and is now a severly autistic adult who will never live on her own. Not to frighten you, but this parenting stuff is full of uncertainties. Blessings to you in whatever you decide!!

[hpoefull2003]

I would not worry about the Intrauterine growth retardation, as posted above there are many reasons why a baby does not grow intrauterine. My twins where born at 32 weeks, ds weight was 3.3lb and dd was 3.7lb.. They are developing at or above in all aspects. The other problems you mentioned I am not familier with, but it sounds like you are attempting to get the info you need. Good luck.