An adequate increase of uterine blood flow throughout gestation is essentia
l for uterine, placental and fetal growth. Maternal cardiovascular adaptati
on has to provide the uterine perfusion that is necessary to meet the requi
rements of the developing and growing fetus by providing transport of nutri
ents and oxygen to the placenta and the fetus. Thus uterine blood flow is i
nextricably linked to fetal growth and survival. Reductions of uterine bloo
d flow can occur under acute or chronic conditions or in a combination of b
oth. Chronic reductions of uterine blood flow can be observed in pregnancy
induced hyertension (PIH), diabetes mellitus in pregnancy and intrauterine
growth restriction (IUGR). Chronic restrictions in uterine blood flow will
elicit a placental and fetal response in the form of growth adaptation to t
he reduced supply of oxygen and nutrients to the conceptus. If compensatory
growth restriction reaches its limits intrauterine fetal distress can ensu
e.