• Before birth- Chronic fetal distress, fetal death, Hypoxia and acidosis.
• After birth- asphyxia, hypothermia, hemorrhage in lungs, multi organ failure
• Other longterm complications are- Increased risk of obesity, hypertension, diabetes and coronary heart disease.

Prevention and management of IUGR

The following may be tried with some success:

1. Adequate bedrest, especially in left lateral position;
2. To correct malnutrition by balanced diet: 300 extra calories per day are to be taken;
3. To institute appropriate therapy for the associated complicating factors likely to produce growth restriction;
4. Avoidance of smoking, tobacco and alcohol;
5. Low dose aspirin (50 mg daily) may be helpful in very selected cases with history of thrombotic disease, hypertension, preeclampsia, or recurrent IUGR;
6. Maternal hyperalimentation by amino acids can improve fetal growth if it was due to maternal malnutrition.
7. Serial evaluations of fetal growth and assessment of well-being should be done once the diagnosis is made.
8. Fetal well-being is assessed by Kick count, NST, biophysical profile, amniotic fluid volume and cordocentesis for blood gases.

Outcome is poor for women with early onset of IUGR (<34 weeks) compared to late onset (>34 weeks). Decision for early delivery has to balance the risk of neonatal deaths due to complications, on the other hand delay in delivery that may increase the risk of IUFD. Majority of fetal deaths occur after the 36th week of gestation. So, correct diagnosis and timed intervention are essential.