XVI: Certain conditions originating in the perinatal period

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

Disorders related to length of gestation and fetal growth are a group of conditions that occur before or at the time of birth. These disorders can influence the growth and development of the fetus during pregnancy. They often arise due the gestational period being either shorter or longer than the normal 40-week period, leading to preterm or post-term birth. These abnormalities can in turn impact fetal growth. A common example is low birth weight, which occurs when a newborn weighs less than 2500 grams regardless of the length of gestation. Other examples include intrauterine growth restriction, where the fetus grows more slowly than usual in the womb, and macrosomia, where the baby is larger than expected for the gestational age. These conditions can result from a variety of factors, such as maternal health problems, improper nutrition, or genetic abnormalities. Symptoms to note are primarily observed in the newborn and can include physical growth discrepancies, developmental delays, and possible long-term health problems, depending on the severity.