Treatment Overview
Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR), also known as Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR), occurs when a fetus fails to achieve its expected growth potential inside the womb. This condition can result from placental insufficiency, maternal health issues, or genetic factors, and requires close medical monitoring to ensure fetal well-being.
In Korea, specialized Fetal Growth-Restriction Surveillance Ultrasound programs use high-resolution imaging, Doppler analysis, and advanced fetal monitoring technology to track growth patterns and detect complications early. Korean maternal-fetal medicine centers are internationally acclaimed for their combination of medical expertise, cutting-edge ultrasound systems, and data-driven management strategies that enhance fetal outcomes in high-risk pregnancies.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose:
- To evaluate fetal growth, size, and development in suspected or diagnosed FGR cases.
- To monitor placental function and blood flow using Doppler ultrasound.
- To assess fetal oxygenation, movement, and well-being.
- To determine the safest timing and mode of delivery.
Benefits:
- Early identification of growth restriction and placental dysfunction.
- Accurate tracking of fetal size and weight trends across gestation.
- Prevention of complications like preterm delivery, hypoxia, or stillbirth.
- Personalized maternal care and delivery planning based on real-time findings.
- Improved neonatal outcomes through timely intervention and coordinated monitoring.
Ideal Candidates
This ultrasound surveillance is essential for expectant mothers at risk of or diagnosed with FGR, including those who:
- Have hypertension, preeclampsia, or placental insufficiency.
- Suffer from chronic medical conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease.
- Experienced poor fetal growth or stillbirth in previous pregnancies.
- Are carrying multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets).
- Show abnormal fundal height or lagging fetal measurements.
- Have uterine or placental abnormalities, including previa or abruption risk.
- Conceived through IVF or assisted reproduction with high-risk indicators.
Possible Risks & Considerations
- The ultrasound procedure is non-invasive and safe, with no radiation exposure.
- Accuracy may depend on fetal position, amniotic fluid levels, and gestational age.
- Repeated scans may be required weekly or biweekly for ongoing monitoring.
- Early diagnosis of FGR helps reduce emergency interventions and improves delivery outcomes.
- In severe cases, hospitalization may be recommended for continuous observation.
Korean hospitals follow international fetal medicine protocols with rigorous accuracy standards, ensuring both safety and reliability during every scan.
Medical & Diagnostic Techniques Used in Korea
Korea’s fetal growth monitoring programs utilize a combination of biometric, Doppler, and dynamic ultrasound assessments to ensure precise tracking and clinical intervention when needed:
- 2D and 3D Biometric Ultrasound: Measures head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), femur length (FL), and biparietal diameter (BPD) to calculate estimated fetal weight (EFW).
- Doppler Flow Analysis: Evaluates blood flow in the umbilical artery, middle cerebral artery, and ductus venosus to assess oxygen and nutrient delivery.
- Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI): Measures fluid levels to assess placental function and fetal well-being.
- Fetal Movement and Breathing Assessment: Observes biophysical activity as part of a biophysical profile (BPP).
- Placental Evaluation: Determines placental position, thickness, and degree of calcification.
- AI-Based Growth Prediction Models: Korean hospitals use AI to compare fetal growth data with population-based reference charts for enhanced precision.
- Customized Fetal Growth Curves: Adjusted for maternal ethnicity, height, and weight to ensure culturally relevant accuracy.
These advanced techniques help physicians differentiate between constitutionally small but healthy fetuses and those truly affected by growth restriction.
Recovery & Aftercare
- No downtime: The ultrasound is painless and safe for repeated use.
- Immediate results: Doctors review findings right after the scan.
- Scheduled follow-ups: Regular surveillance every 1–2 weeks to monitor growth trends.
- Treatment coordination: If abnormalities are detected, care may include bed rest, nutritional support, or hospitalization.
- Delivery planning: In severe cases, early delivery or induction may be scheduled to protect the baby’s health.
- Postnatal evaluation: Babies born with FGR receive neonatal assessments and supportive care in specialized NICUs.
Korea’s hospitals ensure continuity of care, integrating prenatal and neonatal services under one system for optimal maternal and fetal outcomes.
Results & Longevity
- High diagnostic accuracy: Early detection of FGR enables timely intervention.
- Reduced stillbirth and preterm risk: Continuous monitoring allows safer pregnancy prolongation.
- Improved fetal and neonatal survival rates: Due to enhanced placental and blood flow analysis.
- Long-term health benefits: Ensures early treatment and monitoring for growth-restricted newborns.
- Data-driven care planning: Korea’s electronic fetal growth tracking ensures accuracy and consistency throughout the pregnancy.
FGR surveillance results guide both short-term management and long-term obstetric strategies, contributing to healthier pregnancies and safer births.
Procedure Process in Korea
1. Initial Evaluation
Expectant mothers undergo baseline ultrasound to confirm fetal growth lag or abnormal Doppler readings.
2. Detailed Growth and Doppler Assessment
Measurements of fetal size, placental flow, and blood circulation are taken using advanced color Doppler imaging.
3. Serial Monitoring
Follow-up ultrasounds are performed weekly or biweekly to assess progression or stabilization of fetal growth.
4. Interpretation & Counselling
Specialists review results immediately, explaining findings and next steps. Mothers receive customized care plans, including rest, medication, or hospitalization if required.
5. Delivery & Neonatal Planning
If growth restriction worsens, delivery is timed based on Doppler findings and fetal heart monitoring, ensuring immediate neonatal support.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Expert maternal-fetal medicine specialists with extensive experience in managing FGR.
- World-class ultrasound and Doppler technology for detailed vascular and placental imaging.
- Multidisciplinary coordination among obstetricians, neonatologists, and nutrition experts.
- AI-enhanced fetal monitoring systems for accurate growth prediction.
- Personalized care approach integrating continuous counselling and emotional support.
Unique Korean Methods & Technology
- AI-integrated fetal growth tracking software linked to electronic health systems.
- 3D placental perfusion mapping for detecting hidden vascular abnormalities.
- Hybrid maternal-fetal risk modeling combining Doppler and biochemical data.
- Advanced NICU readiness protocols ensuring seamless transition from prenatal monitoring to postnatal care.
Cost Range
The cost of Fetal Growth-Restriction Surveillance Ultrasound in Korea depends on the frequency of scans, hospital level, and case complexity:
- Single growth assessment with Doppler: USD 300 – 600
- Biweekly FGR monitoring package: USD 800 – 1,500
- High-risk maternal-fetal management package: USD 1,500 – 2,500
- Comprehensive monitoring including delivery planning: USD 2,000 – 3,000
Most tertiary hospitals in Korea offer customized high-risk pregnancy packages that include repeated ultrasounds, consultations, and neonatal coordination.
Popular Hospitals and Centers in Korea
- Asan Medical Center (Seoul): Leader in high-risk pregnancy management and Doppler-based fetal monitoring.
- Samsung Medical Center (Seoul): Offers AI-driven FGR prediction models and advanced perinatal diagnostics.
- Severance Hospital (Yonsei University Health System): Specializes in placental blood flow surveillance and early intervention strategies.
- CHA Bundang Women’s Hospital: Provides personalized FGR monitoring and maternal nutrition management programs.
- MizMedi Women’s Hospital: Focused on continuous fetal growth tracking and holistic maternal-fetal care.
