Relationship Between Cardiovascular Function and Fetal Growth Restriction in Women With Preeclampsia

Abstract

Inadequate maternal cardiac output and high peripheral resistance have been associated with fetal growth restriction (FGR), a known cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, which has also been recognized as a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases later in life. Previous evidence suggests that, among pregnancies complicated by FGR or preeclampsia (PE), there is a decrease in maternal cardiac output and an increase in peripheral resistance. It has also been suggested that maternal systolic function increases and peripheral resistance decreases during the preclinical phase of PE. It is not known whether pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) or PE has the most marked influence on fetal growth.