Intrauterine Growth Restriction: Aetiology and Management

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or fetal growth restriction is a condition in which the fetus does not grow normally in the womb during pregnancy. This condition may be caused due to maternal, fetal, or placental complications. Certain important causes include placenta abnormalities, high blood pressure in mother, infections, smoking or alcohol abuse, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, blood clotting disorder, etc. One of the major consequences of IUGR is that a baby is born weighing less than 90 percent of other babies at the same gestational age. IUGR is broadly classified into asymmetrical IUGR and symmetrical IUGR. A decreased oxygen or nutrient supply to the fetus during the third trimester of pregnancy due to placental insufficiency is called asymmetrical IUGR. Symmetrical IUGR, also known as global growth restriction, shows that the fetus has grown slowly during the pregnancy, and has been affected from the start. This book is compiled in such a manner, that it will provide in-depth knowledge about intrauterine growth restriction. It outlines the aetiology and management of this medical condition in detail. Those in search of information to further their knowledge will be greatly assisted by this book.