Fetal growth restriction and cardiovascular health among adolescents.

In developing countries, low birth weight (LBW) is a major public health problem. Seventy-two percent of low birth weight infants in developing countries are born in Asia, with 40 per cent being born in India [1]. Fetal growth restriction or intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a condition where the fetus fails to achieve its intrinsic growth potential, due to anatomical or functional disorders and diseases in the feto-placentalmaternal unit. More than 50% of LBW infants born in India are IUGR; thus, the burden of IUGR is high in India [2]. IUGR is associated not only with significant perinatal morbidity and mortality, but also with long-term complications throughout life [3]. Thus, addressing IUGR and related problems is critical in developing countries.