Intrauterine Growth Restriction: Postnatal Monitoring and Outcomes

Abstract

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is an important cause of fetal, perinatal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. IUGR occurs because of multiple reasons. Neonates with IUGR experience acute problems in the perinatal and early neonatal period that can be life-threatening. The unfavorable uterine environment causing growth restriction results in programming that predisposes IUGR infants to long-term health issues such as poor physical growth, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, neurodevelopmental impairment and endocrine abnormalities, warranting careful monitoring. It is imperative to strike the balance between achieving optimal catch-up to promote normal development, while preventing the onset of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders in the long-term.

Keywords: Fetal programming; Growth hormone; Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR); Metabolic programming; Small for gestational age (SGA).