ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS: FOCUS ON INTRAUTERINE GROWTH RESTRICTION. BACKGROUND, RISK FACTORS, PERINATAL OUTCOME AND POSTNATAL MOTOR AND NEURODEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOMES

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Background Fetal growth restriction (FGR), also known as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), is a common complication of pregnancy that has been associated with a variety of adverse perinatal outcomes. There is a lack of consensus regarding terminology, etiology, and diagnostic criteria for FGR and neonatal outcomes, with uncertainty surrounding the optimal management and timing of delivery for the growth-restricted fetuses. An additional challenge is the difficulty in differentiating between the fetus that is constitutionally small and fulfilling its growth potential and the small fetus that is not fulfilling its growth potential because of an underlying pathologic condition. Objectives The aim of this thesis was to undergo to a full review of the literature regarding terminology, etiology, diagnostic criteria and perinatal and postnatal outcomes for FGR. In particular, the main focus of the project was to ascertain the motor and neurodevelopmental outcome of infants with FGR. During the study period we also focused our research-line on the etiology of FGR, in particular by evaluating the impact of some maternal conditions, such as adenomyosis and endometriosis, on the incidence of FGR.