Foetal Growth Restriction: Prevalence and Perinatal Outcomes at Lautech Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Oyo State

Foetal growth restriction (FGR) is a major cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality and a significant contributor to long-term childhood developmental disadvantage, making its identification and management in tertiary Nigerian hospitals a clinical priority. This study determines the prevalence, risk factors, and perinatal outcomes of foetal growth restriction at Lautech Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, South West Nigeria. A prospective descriptive study enrolled 220 women at 32 weeks gestation or beyond, with FGR defined as estimated foetal weight below the tenth centile for gestational age on serial ultrasound examination using the Hadlock formula. Doppler studies were performed in diagnosed cases. Sociodemographic data, obstetric history, and neonatal outcomes were documented. FGR prevalence was 14.1 percent. Preeclampsia (OR 4.2), prior FGR (OR 3.8), smoking exposure (OR 2.6), and severe anaemia (OR 2.3) were independent risk factors. Abnormal umbilical artery Doppler waveforms were present in 47 percent of FGR cases. Perinatal mortality among FGR neonates was 8.7 percent. Low birth weight (< 2,500 g) was documented in 68 percent of FGR neonates. The study highlights FGR as a significant contributor to adverse perinatal outcomes at Lautech Teaching Hospital. Recommendations include routine serial symphysio-fundal height measurement, third-trimester ultrasound growth assessment for high-risk pregnancies, and Doppler surveillance protocols for diagnosed FGR cases. Keywords: foetal growth restriction, perinatal outcome, Doppler, Lautech Teaching Hospital, Oyo State