Poor growth

Fetal growth restriction occurs in as many as five per cent of all babies in Australia today and is the third most common cause of the death of babies around the time of birth. While maternal smoking, fetal infection and pre-eclampsia are some of the known causes unfortunately, in many cases we do not know what causes fetal growth restriction.

Some of the factors that influence fetal growth are the attachment of the placenta to the uterus, the flow of blood through the placenta and the transport of nutrients and oxygen across the placenta to the baby.

Understanding the causes of reduced fetal growth is important because “small-for-date” babies have a greater tendency to develop certain diseases in later adult life. These diseases include hypertension, coronary heart diseases, stroke and diabetes - all of which are important causes of ill health and death in adults.

Providing the best possible environment for the baby will not only ensure adequate fetal growth and health in the newborn period but also protect against the development of diseases in adult life.