For which group of women is the risk of fetal growth restriction higher?

For which group of women is the risk of fetal growth restriction higher?

• A. Women who smoke
• B. Women who have regular prenatal care
• C. Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome
• D. Women who are underweight

Answer: (A)

Fetal growth restriction, also known as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), can be influenced by several maternal factors. Among the options presented, women who smoke are at a significantly higher risk for fetal growth restriction. Smoking during pregnancy leads to reduced oxygen and nutrient supply to the fetus, which can hinder normal growth and development. The toxic substances in cigarettes can also affect placental function and fetal health, contributing to complications such as low birth weight and IUGR. Regular prenatal care is important for monitoring the health of the mother and fetus, and it generally leads to better outcomes, including the early detection of any issues that could affect fetal growth. Therefore, this option does not indicate a higher risk for fetal growth restriction. Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) may face various complications during pregnancy, but the direct link between PCOS and a higher risk of fetal growth restriction is not as clear as it is with smoking. Management and treatment for PCOS can vary, and many women with this condition have healthy pregnancies. Being underweight can potentially increase certain risks during pregnancy, but it does not directly equate to a higher risk of fetal growth restriction compared to the well-established effects of smoking. Underweight women may experience other

Fetal growth restriction, also known as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), can be influenced by several maternal factors. Among the options presented, women who smoke are at a significantly higher risk for fetal growth restriction. Smoking during pregnancy leads to reduced oxygen and nutrient supply to the fetus, which can hinder normal growth and development. The toxic substances in cigarettes can also affect placental function and fetal health, contributing to complications such as low birth weight and IUGR.

Regular prenatal care is important for monitoring the health of the mother and fetus, and it generally leads to better outcomes, including the early detection of any issues that could affect fetal growth. Therefore, this option does not indicate a higher risk for fetal growth restriction.

Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) may face various complications during pregnancy, but the direct link between PCOS and a higher risk of fetal growth restriction is not as clear as it is with smoking. Management and treatment for PCOS can vary, and many women with this condition have healthy pregnancies.

Being underweight can potentially increase certain risks during pregnancy, but it does not directly equate to a higher risk of fetal growth restriction compared to the well-established effects of smoking. Underweight women may experience other