OBJECTIVETo investigate the intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and its determinants so as to provide evidence for maternal and child health care programs to be carried out.

METHODSFourteen townships were selected by cluster random sampling from 37 townships in Liuyang. A total of 6 105 pregnant women who had established their health care programs during April 2008 and March 2011, were recruited in this study. Records on pregnancy care manual and delivery were collected. 6 105 single live births were divided into two groups (IUGR group and control group). Those whose birth weight was below the 10th percentile for mean weight corrected for gestation age were grouped as IUGR group. Chi-square test and Multivariate logistic Regression method were used to estimate the determinants of IUGR.

RESULTSA total of 6 105 women, pregnant with a singleton gestation were enrolled in the study: 528 of these pregnancies were complicated with IUGR (8.65%). Data from the multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that maternal age less than 25 (OR = 1.268), prim parity (OR = 1.706), BMI less than 18.5 kg/m² at first obstetrical examination (OR = 1.709), deficiency in weight gain during pregnancy (OR = 1.576) and pregnancy-induced hypertension syndrome (OR = 1.698) were related risk factors to intrauterine growth retardation.

CONCLUSIONMaternal age, prim parity, BMI, weight gain during pregnancy and pregnancy-induced hypertension syndrome were factors associated to the intrauterine growth retardation. Effective measures in reducing the intrauterine growth retardation should include factors as monitoring maternal weight and the change of weight during pregnancy in order to maintain the weight at normal ranges. Prevention and therapy for pregnancy-induced hypertension syndrome, should also be strengthened.