Intrauterine growth restriction: Intervention strategies

Abstract

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or fetal growth restriction (FGR) is defined as a pregnancy in which the fetus fails to achieve his/her genetically determined growth potential or optimal growth. Optimal fetal growth is defined as birth weight achieved in the absence of fetal, maternal or placental factors that can exert a pathological effect on growth [1]. Clinically, whether the fetus or newborn has achieved appropriate growth for gestation is inferred from gender-specific standardized growth charts. IUGR is diagnosed if the weight is below the 10th percentile for a given gestational age. During pregnancy, the diagnosis is made if the estimated fetal weight (EFW) has either fallen below the 10th percentile or if it is on a downward trajectory on consecutive measurements indicating that IUGR can be diagnosed even if the EFW is within the normal percentiles.