ABSTRACT
Preterm birth disrupts the supply of nutrients to the developing fetus and significantly impacts the orderly process of fetal growth. The peak period of head growth occurs in the fetus at approximately 20 weeks gestation (Figure 7.1),1 and this peak is considerably earlier than the peak rate of weight or length gain.2 Growth in weight of the human brain is largely complete by 2 years of age, and growth in brain cell number is mostly complete by 1 to 2 years.3 Any adverse physiological conditions during this critical time could affect brain growth and development. As growth is most rapid during the third trimester, disruptions during this period may have the most significant impact on brain formation.
