[The prognosis of intrauterine fetal growth retardation (author's transl)].

Intrauterine growth retardation is described and 232 cases observed between 1970 and 1973 are reported. The prognosis for the infant is dependant upon the birth weight. Dysmature infants with a birth weight above 2000 grams show relatively few signs of antenatal and postnatal pathology. With a birth weight between 1000 and 2000 grams a perinatal mortality of 50% must be expected unless delivery is performed by primary Caesarean Section. The available methods of observation of high risk pregnancies permit an accurate determination of the best time to terminate the pregnancy. Under optimal conditions the long term prognosis for dysmature infants around 1500 grams birth weight is good.