Chapter 23: Abnormalities of Fetal Growth

Fetal growth is determined by fetal genotype, intrauterine environment, and fetal nutrition. Fetal growth is influenced to a great extent by maternal genetics and to a lesser extent by paternal genetics and placental capacity to provide nutrients to the fetus. The placenta plays a key intermediary role in nutritional signaling between mother and fetus via the maternal and fetal glucose/insulin/insulin-like growth factor axes. Because fetal nutrition affects the development of key endocrine systems, it likely contributes to the link between both fetal growth restriction and fetal overgrowth, with subsequent increased risks of obesity and impaired glucose tolerance in later life....