ABSTRACT
Intrauterine crowding accompanying multiple gestation frequently leads to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), preterm delivery or both. Either can have a profound effect on fetal and infant central nervous system (CNS) development. Preterm infants as well as infants with IUGR are vulnerable to a number of perinatal and neonatal complications. Additionally, they exhibit an increased incidence of neurodevelopmental disabilities, including the major disabilities (cerebral palsy and mental retardation) and more subtle disorders of CNS function (learning disability, language disorder, attention deficit, minor neuromotor dysfunction and behavior problems).
