Fetal growth factors and fetal nutrition

Optimal fetal growth is important for a healthy pregnancy outcome and also for lifelong health. Fetal growth is largely regulated by fetal nutrition, and mediated via the maternal and fetal glucose/insulin/insulin-like growth factor axes. Fetal nutrition may reflect maternal nutrition, but abnormalities of placental function can also affect fetal growth, as the placenta plays a key intermediary role in nutritional signalling between mother and...