Abstract: Fetal growth restriction (FGR), also known as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), refers to the fetus under the influence of the mother, itself and the environmental factors and did not reach their growth potential, is one of the common complications of pregnancy in obstetrics and also is the most common causes of perinatal death in China. FGR can cause many perinatal adverse pregnancy outcomes including fetal distress, low birth weight, premature birth, etc and is associated with a variety of long-term complications in later life, such as metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. It is of big significance to prevent FGR to improve the quality of the population. However, there are many factors that contribute to FGR, including maternal factors, fetal factors and placental umbilical cord factors and more factors exist in various forms. A comprehensive understanding of the factors responsible for FGR may help prevent the disease. The etiology of FGR is reviewed in order to provide a theoretical basis for the prevention of the disease.

Key words: Fetal development, Fetal growth retardation, Pregnant women, Umbilical cord, Placenta