P05-P08: Disorders related to length of gestation and fetal growth

P05: Slow fetal growth and fetal malnutrition

Slow fetal growth and fetal malnutrition is a group of conditions interfering with the proper growth and development of an unborn child in a mother's womb. In these situations, the fetus does not reach its full growth potential and may not receive adequate nutrition. Causes of these conditions may include problems with the placenta, which distributes nourishment from the mother to the fetus, or underlying health conditions in the mother like high blood pressure, anemia, or substance abuse. Symptoms may not be apparent to the mother but can be identified during routine prenatal medical care. The progression can be gradual, leading to low birth-weight and potential issues with brain and body systems development. These conditions importantly highlight the need for comprehensive prenatal care.