Fetal growth restriction in rural Bangladesh: a prospective study

Background Fetal growth restriction (FGR) and low birth weight(LBW) are serious public health problems. In developing countries, the incidence of low birth weight is predominantly the result of FGR, and both low birth weight and FGR are associated with neonatal death and later growth and development. Fetal growth charts are important for assessing the size of the fetus during pregnancy. The aims of this study were to describe the fetal growth pattern of a population in rural Bangladesh where maternal undernutrition is prevalent and to compare the timing of FGR in that population with WHO and INTERGROWTH- 21st international reference values.