Postnatal Complications of Intrauterine Growth Restriction

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is defined as a velocity of fetal growth less than the normal fetus growth potential because of maternal, placental, fetal or genetic cause. This is an important cause of fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Small for gestational age (SGA) is defined when birth weight is less than two standard deviations below the mean or less than 10th percentile for a specific population and gestational age. Usually IUGR and SGA are used interchangeably, but there exists subtle difference between the two terms. IUGR infants have both acute and long term complications and need regular follow up. This review will cover various postnatal aspects of IUGR.