Fetal development

If a doctor determines stagnation in fetal development – namely growth restriction (IUGR- Intrauterine
Growth Restriction) or fetal excessive growth (macrosomio fetus), the first thing is to apply diagnostic
procedures to determine the cause. It is better not to allow these changes to occur. They can later
reflect to future health of the child in adult life. Thus, by proper pregnancy management complications
are prevented not only in newborn but also in adult person. Modern medicine calls this ‘fetal
programming’, i.e. prevention of adult life diseases.
Based on ultrasound parameters, Doppler ultrasound findings and later CTG (cardiotocography), a
doctor will in parallel monitor ‘fetal condition’ and plan proper timing for delivery. Sometimes, it is safer
for the fetus to end the pregnancy by delivery.
If maternal health and life are in danger, a therapy may be administered starting from the the 24 th week
of gestation which enables delivery of the baby, further monitoring at the neonatology unit and saving
mother’s and baby’s life. Thus, healthy offspring is provided from prematurely ended pregnancies (when
miscarriage is possible, in case of preterm delivery, when mother’s health, or life, is in danger). This
approach is called ‘artificial fetal maturation’.