[Fetus, small for gestational age].

Area of Science:

• Perinatology
• Fetal Medicine
• Neonatology

Context:

• Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) affects fetal development, with most cases lacking clear abnormalities, but some indicating serious pathology.
• Accurate detection, monitoring, and management of IUGR fetuses are crucial for obstetric and neonatal care.

Purpose:

• To review the causes, clinical presentations, and screening methods for intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR).
• To discuss current recommendations for monitoring pregnancies with IUGR and optimizing labor induction timing.

Summary:

• This review synthesizes recent international guidelines on identifying and managing fetuses classified as small for gestational age (SGA).
• It details the diverse etiologies of IUGR, from benign to pathological, and outlines screening strategies.
• Management focuses on monitoring fetal well-being and determining the appropriate timing for delivery.

Impact:

• Provides clinicians with updated information based on international guidelines for managing IUGR.
• Aims to improve obstetric and neonatologic outcomes for pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction.
• Highlights the importance of distinguishing between constitutionally small fetuses and those with pathological growth restriction.