The period of gestation plays a very important role in both intrauterine and later childhood development. One possible negative outcome, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), is the pathological situation in which complete fetal growth is not permitted. The purpose of this article is to locate and note the basic factors (environmental, nutritional and genetical) that have been correlated with IUGR, through an extensive literature search. Findings have proven that IUGR is related to a number of factors, exposure to which may affect not only fetal development but also the actual pregnancy outcome in whole. In parallel one can also deduct, from existing scientific knowledge, that a number of questions remain vague and unanswered. Taking the above into account, we conclude that more research in this specific field is imperative, and should be focused on developing strategies for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of IUGR so as to secure the health and development of future generations.
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