What is the Origin of Fetal Growth Restriction?

This term is a cornerstone of obstetrics and perinatal medicine, used to identify pregnancies where placental or maternal factors are impeding the necessary transfer of nutrients and oxygen. It is a critical indicator of compromised hormonal and nutritional signaling between the mother and the developing fetus, which can have lifelong consequences.

What is the Mechanism of Fetal Growth Restriction?

The primary mechanism often involves placental insufficiency, leading to reduced delivery of essential nutrients, glucose, and growth factors, including Insulin-like Growth Factors (IGFs), which are crucial for cellular proliferation. This restriction forces the fetus to adapt its metabolism, which can lead to permanent epigenetic programming changes, increasing the risk of adult-onset metabolic and cardiovascular disease.

Fetal Growth Restriction ∞ Area

Fetal Growth Restriction

Meaning

Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR) is a clinical condition in which an unborn fetus fails to achieve its genetically predetermined growth potential, resulting in an estimated fetal weight below the 10th percentile for its gestational age. This diagnosis indicates compromised intrauterine health and carries significant implications for neonatal and long-term metabolic health. It is a major risk factor in perinatal medicine.