CONSEQUENCES OF FETAL GROWTH RESTRICTION

An increasing number of diseases in child and adult life are now thoug ht to have their origins in the fetal period. Central to this predispo sition is restriction of fetal growth. During the period reviewed in t his article, the associations between adult hypertension and low birth weight were confirmed, and numerous studies have investigated possible mechanisms by which the metabolism of an individual may be programmed by an adverse intrauterine environment. The consequences in adult lif e of intrauterine undernutrition now highlight prenatal care as one of the most crucial issues in medicine and challenge many aspects of cur rent obstetric decision-making. Research targeting fetal growth and de velopment can be expected to result in improved health at all ages. (C ) 1998 Rapid Science Ltd.