Antenatal assessment of the growth restricted fetus

Abstract

Babies who are small due to intrauterine growth restriction are at higher risk for poor perinatal and long-term outcome than those who are appropriately grown. Through multiple antenatal testing modalities a sequence of deteriorating fetal status can be documented in such cases. The nature of this compromise is best reflected by the combination of fetal biometry, biophysical profile scoring and arterial and venous Doppler. This combination accurately defines fetal states and therefore risk of stillbirth or poor transition to extrauterine life. In the preterm neonate, fetal factors, gestational age and neonatal course interact significantly to impact on short- and long-term outcomes. The potential for iatrogenic prematurity is great and ongoing appraisal of peripartum management is critical. An integrated management protocol accounting for these factors is examined in this review.