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Determinants of fetal growth

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Abstract

Fetal growth is the end product of a variety of genetic, maternal, fetal, and placental factors. Maternal size is a dominant determinant of birth weight. Specific nutrients and their availability modify the expression of genetically determined metabolic and transfer systems. Hormones and growth factors of maternal, fetal, and placental origin regulate nutrient transfer and fetal organ development. Fetal development is ultimately determined by dynamic interactions between all of these factors beginning prior to conception and proceeding to delivery.

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  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaiser Foundation Hospital, 9400 East Rosecrans Avenue, 90706, Bellflower, CA, USA

    David A. Sacks MD

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  1. David A. Sacks MD
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Sacks, D.A. Determinants of fetal growth. Curr Diab Rep 4, 281–287 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-004-0080-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-004-0080-y

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