COVID-19 was associated with measurable shifts in fetal growth outcomes, with new research suggesting that rates of fetal growth restriction (FGR) and small for gestational age (SGA) neonates varied across distinct pandemic periods.
In this recent study, Sharon Stortz, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA, and colleagues analysed rates of FGR and SGA across defined COVID-19 “epochs”, including pre-pandemic, early pandemic, and later pandemic phases.
COVID-19 Pandemic Altered Fetal Growth Restriction Trends
The researchers reported that fetal growth restriction COVID-19 patterns were not static, but instead fluctuated throughout the pandemic. According to Stortz and the research team, rates of both FGR and SGA differed between time periods, indicating that the pandemic’s impact on fetal growth was dynamic rather than uniform.
In particular, certain pandemic epochs were associated with increased rates of growth abnormalities, while others showed stabilisation or partial recovery. The authors noted that these findings suggested that evolving public health measures, healthcare access, and behavioural changes may all have contributed to observed trends.
Healthcare Disruption and Maternal Stress Influenced Outcomes
The authors put forward several conclusions for this discrepancy to explain their findings. Reduced access to prenatal ultrasounds could have affected both the detection and management of fatal growth abnormalities, particularly in the early stages of the pandemic. Stortz and team, highlighted that fewer routine assessments could have delayed identification of FGR in some cases.
Additionally, maternal stress was highlighted as a potential contributing factor where many experienced widespread psychological stress and socioeconomic pressures as a result of the pandemic. Researchers noted that this could have affected fetal development through biological pathways inflammation, vascular changes and placental insufficiency.
Implications for Antenatal Care Delivery and Future Directions
The researchers highlighted that the findings of the study underscore the importance of robust antenatal care systems that can be resilient even in the face of public health emergencies. They emphasised the importance of timely fetal biometry and ultrasound assessments, and suggested that safeguarding access to these services should be a priority for the future.
The study provides valuable insight into how large-scale disruptions can affect fetal growth patterns. The research team called for further research to determine whether these changes have long term consequences for child health and development.
Reference
Stortz S et al. Rates of fetal growth restriction and small for gestational age neonates by COVID-19 epochs: did the pandemic affect fetal biometry measurements? Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2026;DOI:10.1055/a-2848-3436.
Featured image: Fotokon on Adobe Stock
