Intervention Review

Hormones for suspected impaired fetal growth

  1. Lale Say1,*,
  2. A Metin Gülmezoglu2,
  3. G Justus Hofmeyr3

Editorial Group: Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group

Published Online: 7 OCT 2009

Assessed as up-to-date: 23 JUN 2009

DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD000109

Database Title

Additional Information

How to Cite

Say L, Gülmezoglu AM, Hofmeyr GJ. Hormones for suspected impaired fetal growth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2003, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD000109. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD000109.

Author Information

  1. 1

    World Health Organization, Department of Reproductive Health and Research, Geneva, Switzerland

  2. 2

    World Health Organization, UNDP/UNFPA/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction, Department of Reproductive Health and Research, Geneva, Switzerland

  3. 3

    University of the Witwatersrand, University of Fort Hare, Eastern Cape Department of Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East London Hospital Complex, East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa

*Lale Say, Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia, Geneva, 1211, Switzerland. sayl@who.int.

Publication History

  1. Publication Status: New search for studies and content updated (no change to conclusions)
  2. Published Online: 7 OCT 2009

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Abstract

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  2. Abstract
  3. Plain language summary

Background

It has been suggested that oestrogens may improve fetal growth due to an increase in nutritional supply to the fetus from greater uterine blood flow.

Objectives

The objective of this review was to assess the effects of hormone administration for suspected impaired fetal growth and perinatal outcome.

Search methods

We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (June 2009).

Selection criteria

Acceptably controlled trials of hormone administration for suspected impaired fetal growth which report fetal, perinatal or maternal outcomes.

Data collection and analysis

Eligibility and trial quality were assessed.

Main results

No studies were included since none of the potentially relevant trials reported clinical outcomes.

Authors' conclusions

There is not enough evidence to evaluate the clinical use of hormone administration for suspected impaired fetal growth.

 

Plain language summary

  1. Top of page
  2. Abstract
  3. Plain language summary

Hormones for suspected impaired fetal growth

No evidence to show whether the unborn baby's growth improves when pregnant women take extra oestrogen.

Babies in the womb growing more slowly than expected (impaired fetal growth) may be receiving too few nutrients from their mother's blood. Hormones are chemicals produced by glands in the body for growth, metabolism (how the body uses food) and reproduction. Oestrogen (the female hormone) is thought to increase blood flow from pregnant women to their babies, thus potentially providing more nutrients. The review of trials has found no evidence to show whether the baby's growth improves when pregnant women take extra oestrogen. There is no evidence from trials on the effects of oestrogen supplementation on women and their babies.

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