Overlapping Pathophysiology of Preeclampsia and Fetal Growth Restriction

Abstract

Preeclampsia and FGR are syndromes with multiple causative pathways that often reflect earlier placental maldevelopment, and generally become symptomatic in the third trimester. A standard utero placental circulation is necessary for the development of a normal pregnancy. Fetal birth weight less than 10th percentile for a given gestational age is called intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). The most important thing is to identify the fetuses with hazard of compromise instead of identification of small fetus during pregnancy. Fetal growth restriction refers to a fetus that has failed to achieve its genetic growth potential, usually because of placental diseases restricting nutritional supply and fetal oxygen partial pressure. Intrauterine growth restriction affects about 10-15% of the maternal population and is a common condition affecting pregnant mothers. This condition has many risks for the babies including increased chances of fetal death, neonatal lung diseases, respiratory distress syndrome, necrotizing enterocolitis, renal diseases and chronic cardiovascular disorders. IUGR fetus has a strong connection with meconium aspiration syndrome.