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Updated: Aug 4, 2026

Fetal Echocardiography and Pulsed-wave Doppler Ultrasound in a Rabbit Model of Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Published on: June 29, 2013
Insights
Fetal growth is influenced by fetal, maternal, and placental factors. Accurate fetal growth curves are crucial for predicting perinatal outcomes, especially for preterm and small-for-gestational-age infants.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Fetal Medicine
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Fetal growth is a complex process influenced by numerous factors.
- Understanding these factors is essential for assessing fetal well-being and predicting outcomes.
- Current methods for evaluating fetal growth require refinement for improved predictive accuracy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the key stages and progression of fetal growth.
- To identify and discuss factors influencing fetal growth, including fetal, maternal, and feto-maternal elements.
- To emphasize the importance of fetal growth curves with predictive value for perinatal outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on fetal growth and development.
- Discussion of placental and genetic influences on fetal growth.
- Analysis of factors affecting fetal growth progression.
Main Results:
- Fetal growth progresses through distinct stages, influenced by a combination of genetic, placental, maternal, and fetal factors.
- Placental function and genetic makeup play significant roles in regulating fetal development.
- Various maternal and fetal conditions can impact growth trajectories.
Conclusions:
- Accurate fetal growth assessment is critical for determining perinatal outcomes.
- Fetal growth curves with predictive capabilities are necessary for clinical application.
- Particular attention must be paid to the differing outcomes of preterm and small-for-gestational-age infants.
Abstract:
The key stages and progression of fetal growth are described, together with the related growth-controlling and influencing fetal, maternal, and feto-maternal factors. Placental and genetic influences are discussed. Perinatal outcome for the fetus is emphasized as the key endpoint, and the need, therefore, of fetal growth curves that have predictive value. This is of particular importance in studying the differing outcomes for pre-term and small-for-gestational-age infants.
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