Nutrition and fetal growth

Essential factors for normal fetal growth include the correct utilization b y the fetus of a suitable supply of energy and plastic nutrients, together with the adequate genic expression of the factors promoting tissue growth a nd an optimal hormonal framework. The nutritional state and welfare of the mother, the endocrine changes experienced and the uteroplacental function h ave all been related to the health of the fetus and the newborn infant, pre mature births, fetal nutritional disorders, certain diseases and even death . (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.