Analysis of fetal growth restriction in pregnancy in a tertiary care hospital

Background: IUGR is a major cause of perinatal morbidity, perinatal mortality and both short-term and life-long morbidities. New protocols for the diagnosis and management of late onset FGR need to be implemented. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Government medical college Mandi, Himachal Pradesh for period of one year from 1st January 2023 to 31st December 2023. Results: Total incidence of fetal growth restriction was 773 (16.9%). Most common age group was 31 to 35 year. In 58.3% patients, the cause of fetal growth restriction was unknown. The second commonest cause was hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (23.2%). Majority had vaginal delivery. There were 38.31% NICU admissions and 11.49% premature neonates. Conclusion: This study analyses the risk factors which can be used for screening and vigilant monitoring of antenatal patients with fetal growth restriction and preventing iatrogenic preterm termination of pregnancy and improving the perinatal outcome. Strict fetal surveillance is keystone to good perinatal outcome.