Fetal growth restriction is a condition in which an unborn baby (fetus) is smaller than would be expected for its gestational age. It is defined as an estimated fetal weight of less than the 10th percentile for gestational age based on ultrasound. The majority of fetuses below the 10th percentile are constitutionally small rather than compromised and have normal outcomes. However, it is important to seek out a cause for the small size since fetal growth restriction can be caused by many factors that can lead to complications in the fetus. These factors include but are not limited to: poor placental blood flow from maternal conditions, multiple pregnancies, genetic abnormalities, substance and tobacco use, or infection.
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