Blood test may pinpoint cause of stunted fetal growth

This study is testing whether a simple blood test can help doctors tell apart two main causes of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) — a condition where a baby grows slower than expected in the womb. The test measures the ratio of two proteins, sFlt-1 and PlGF, which are linked to blood vessel problems in the placenta. Researchers will compare the test results with placental tissue analysis after birth to see if the test can accurately identify vascular causes. The study involves 167 pregnant women with a diagnosis of IUGR, and the findings could lead to a non-invasive way to guide pregnancy management.