Investigation and management of the small for gestational age fetus

The desire to identify the small for gestational age fetus is due to its association with stillbirth and poorer neonatal outcomes. The difficulty lies in determining which of these babies are just constitutionally small and healthy and which are growth restricted fetuses that are at significant risk of poor outcomes. Fetal growth restriction is often mediated through placental disease and shares a similar aetiological pathway to preeclampsia. Placental malperfusion results in impaired nutrient and oxygen delivery to the fetus.
Source: Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine - Category: OBGYN Authors: Tags: REVIEW Source Type: research