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Updated: May 17, 2026
Fetal Echocardiography and Pulsed-wave Doppler Ultrasound in a Rabbit Model of Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Published on: June 29, 2013
Is it necessary to induce labor in cases of intrauterine growth restriction at term?
Tal Shavit1, Eran Ashual, Rivka Regev
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meir Medical Center, Tel Aviv University, Kfar Saba, Israel.
Objectives:
Infants with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) have increased morbidity and mortality. The decision whether to induce labor at term or to expectantly manage these pregnancies is controversial. The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes of these two management strategies in term pregnancies.
Study Design:
This retrospective cohort study compared neonatal and maternal morbidity and mortality of IUGR fetuses (estimated fetal weight below the 10th percentile) between induced and spontaneous labors.
Results:
Records of 669 IUGR newborns were reviewed; 499 were delivered through spontaneous labor and 170 were delivered through induced labor. Epidemiology and early perinatal outcomes between the two groups were similar. The cesarean section rate was significantly higher (P<0.005) in the induced group.
Conclusions:
Expectant management for term IUGR pregnancies seems to be safe, with lower rates of cesarean deliveries. A large, prospective, randomized controlled trial with long-term neonatal follow-up is indicated.
