The Impact of Fetal Growth Restriction on Cardiorespiratory Centres in the Brainstem

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) occurs when the placenta does not deliver enough oxygen and nutrients to the developing fetus, leading to an increased risk of respiratory and cardiovascular problems in later life. The brainstem cardiorespiratory centres (BCRC) play an important role in the fetus adapting to hypoxia by redistributing blood flow to essential organs. The aim of this PhD project was to investigate how FGR affects the development of the BCRC in the brainstem, using an ovine model. The study found that FGR caused impaired development of the BCRC, which may lead to functional deficits in cardiovascular and respiratory control. These findings could help inform future interventions to improve outcomes for FGR infants.