Intrauterine-growth retardation can be diagnosed or confirmed by ultrasound. Ultrasound may also be used to assure that the baby is healthy and no malformations exist that must be taken care of at birth. When IUGR is diagnosed, avoid doing anything that could make it worse. Improve your nutrition. Stop using drugs and alcohol.
Bed rest is another treatment.
Resting enables the baby to receive the best blood flow, and better blood flow is the best chance it has to improve growth. If IUGR is caused by maternal disease, attempts are made to improve the mother's general health. An infant with intrauterine-growth retardation is at risk of dying before delivery. To avoid this, it may require delivering the baby before it is full term. The baby may be safer outside the uterus than inside in some cases.