Fetal growth restriction & placental insufficiency

We have a flourishing (inter)national collaboration with people interested in placental function. The placenta plays a pivotal role in the eventual outcome of health or disease. Several obstetrical conditions are related to reduced placental function such as fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia and preterm birth. Our research team is particularly interested in fetal growth restriction and has three major topics to study.

1. Defining fetal growth restriction (FGR), harmonising definitions and research basics
2. Translational (placenta and biomarker) research
3. Monitoring management strategies/clinical implementation/prediction models

A small baby is not necessarily too small and a seemingly normal sized baby can be starved. The placenta plays a crucial role in health and disease. The placenta has a respiratory and a metabolic function. The metabolic function is measured by biometric measures by ultrasound (not a very reliable test) with size but the respiratory function measurements are more complex. Doppler flow patterns can be used but we need more markers to understand the full picture.

Our research focusses on:

• Fetal growth restriction, a syndrome
• Fetal growth restriction: diagnosis and definition
• Fetal growth restriction: what is the best monitoring intervention strategy
• Fetal growth restriction: and the placenta
• Neonatal consequences
• Perinatal mortality and bereavement care