The generic Viagra, sildenafil citrate has proved to be a multi purpose drug due to its vasodilatation properties. One of the recent discoveries regarding this drug has revealed that it can help to improve some cases of fetal growth restriction that afflicts more than 8 % of pregnancies with grave consequences.

About intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) refers to a condition in which the fetus does not grow to its normal potential size. This affects the survival rate and normal growth of the fetus. IUGR takes place due to improper uteroplacental circulation and placental hypoperfucion, i.e. the blood supply to the uterus gets affected. This depletes the oxygen and nutrient supply to the fetus. It can cause fetal anomalies (birth defects), deaths, mental retardation of the child etc. Women who are suffering from hypertension, cyanotic heart disease, hemoglobinopathies, autoimmune disease, uterine malformations and thrombophilias are the most likely to have complications of  intrauterine growth restriction during pregnancies. Also women, who smoke, consume alcohol or are into substance abuse, can cause IUGR in their babies.

Despite of all these known problems, a lot of women have these complications without being able to figure out the cause.

Detection of IUGR-

• Ultrasound- the mother cannot diagnose the symptoms of IUGR on her own. This symptom can be found out by the physician post an ultrasound report. The report with show the size of the baby’s head, abdomen and legs which help the physician decide if the baby is growing normally. The level of amniotic fluid is also a deciding factor. Regular monitoring helps to keep a check on the health of the fetus.
• Amniocentesis- Using a needle, amniotic fluid is collected and examined for IUGR. This can also help detect chromosomal abnormalities and chromosomal defects.

On detecting an IUGR, doctors usually choose to have an early delivery through cesarean. Though this means that the baby is under weight and weak, it can help avoid complications that can arise on having the baby delivered in nine months.

Medical facts show that Viagra was originally tested and approved for treating angina (heart diseases). The active ingredient, sildenafil citrate helped in expansion of the blood vessels, thus avoiding blockages that lead to heart attacks.  The effect of the drug was not long lasting and was completely excreted out of the body in three days. The two important facts, the vasodilatation and the quick and complete excretion of the drug from the body enabled the scientists to use this drug for other medical issues.

Recent studies have shown that the generic Viagra sildenafil citrate acts as a vasodilator. The biochemical route taken by this drug with the circulation provided amleoration from IUGR. Women who were suffering from fetal growth restriction pregnancies were given sildenafil citrate and it was observed that this drug helped to enhance myometrial small artery vasoconstriction and at the same time showed significant decrease in endothelium-dependent vasodilatations. This generic Viagra had successful controlled the vasoconstriction and at the same time improved relaxation of FGR small arteries.

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