Fetal growth restriction: adaptations and consequences

A range of pathophysiological factors can result in a perturbation or restr iction of fetal growth, and the cardiovascular, neuroendocrine and metaboli c adaptations of the fetus to these stimuli will depend on their nature, ti ming and intensity. The critical importance of these physiological adaptati ons for both immediate survival and long-term health outcomes has provided an impetus for experimental studies of the nature and consequences of speci fic fetal adaptations to a poor intrauterine environment. This review summa rizes data from recent studies that have focused on the responses of the fe tal cardiovascular, sympathoadrenal, hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal and reni n-angiotensin systems to experimental restriction of placental function in the sheep and discusses the consequences of these adaptations for fetal, ne onatal and adult health.