FETAL GROWTH RESTRICTION: A GROWTH PATTERN WITH FETAL, NEONATAL AND LONG-TERM CONSEQUENCES

Abstract

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) or intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) are the terms used for a fetus

which has not attained its full growth potential for gestational age. FGR is a multifactorial syndrome

responsible for increased fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality as well as long term adverse

outcomes involving auxological, metabolic, organic and functional domains. Clinicians distinguish

early and late onset FGR, in relation to specific fetal anthropometric parameters related to the possible

primary etiology and to different patterns of placental and maternal cardiovascular pathologies.

Delivery of an early onset FGR or growth impaired newborn with congenital pathology should be in

tertiary care center, given the high perinatal morbidity. At hospital discharge the FGR infant should be

enrolled, in a multidimensional individualized developmental follow-up. Subjects who have suffered

from FGR should adopt a healthy lifestyle