Which finding would be most likely associated with asymmetric intrauterine growth retardation?

Which finding would be most likely associated with asymmetric intrauterine growth retardation?

• A. Gestational diabetes
• B. Weight at 3rd percentile and length at 25th
• C. Heavy maternal smoking throughout pregnancy
• D. Weight, length, & head circumference ranging from 3rd to 5th percentile

Answer: (D)

Asymmetric intrauterine growth restriction is characterized by the brain-sparing pattern, where the head size is preserved while the body grows more poorly. In practical terms, you see disproportionate fetal measurements: weight is reduced, length may be reduced but not as severely, and head circumference tends to be relatively normal. The finding that best fits this pattern is a markedly low weight with a smaller but not as severely affected length—indicating body growth lagging behind head size. Head circumference would typically remain closer to normal, which helps distinguish this from symmetric IUGR, where weight, length, and head circumference are all similarly reduced. The scenario described—weight at the 3rd percentile with length at the 25th percentile—reflects that disproportionate body growth seen in asymmetric IUGR.

Asymmetric intrauterine growth restriction is characterized by the brain-sparing pattern, where the head size is preserved while the body grows more poorly. In practical terms, you see disproportionate fetal measurements: weight is reduced, length may be reduced but not as severely, and head circumference tends to be relatively normal. The finding that best fits this pattern is a markedly low weight with a smaller but not as severely affected length—indicating body growth lagging behind head size. Head circumference would typically remain closer to normal, which helps distinguish this from symmetric IUGR, where weight, length, and head circumference are all similarly reduced. The scenario described—weight at the 3rd percentile with length at the 25th percentile—reflects that disproportionate body growth seen in asymmetric IUGR.