Management of pregnancy complicated by intrauterine fetal growth restriction

Abstract

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is defined as fetal growth below the expected genetic potential. The paper presents the principles of fetal surveillance in pregnancy complicated by IUGR in accordance with the guidelines of the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF). Fetal surveillance includes integrated monitoring by analyzing Doppler blood flow in selected vessels, fetal heart rate, biophysical profile and amniotic fluid volume. The aim of the integrated fetal monitoring is to prolong the pregnancy, to minimize the consequences of prematurity and prevent a potentially lethal damage. The paper presents the symptoms preceding the intrauterine demise and proposes methods of determining the date of delivery according to the guidelines of FMF.