Intrauterine growth retardation

Abstract

Intrauterine Growth Retardation is defined as the rate of fetal growth that is less than normal for the growth potential of the infant and for the population. Insufficient endometrial surface for placental invasion and growth, along with abnormal placental perfusion, may combine to restrict nutrient delivery to the fetus, leading to IUGR. Poor placental growth and function limit placental supply of growth promoting hormones to the fetus such as hPL, steroid hormones and IGF-1 and limit effective maternal-fetal nutrient exchange.