Table 2.

Definition of commonly used terms

TERMDEFINITION
IUGRDesignates a fetus that has not reached its growth potential owing to genetic or environmental factors, with an estimated fetal weight below the 10th percentile (usually measured via ultrasound)
SGADesignates a born infant whose weight is below the 10th percentile for its gestational age—usually the result of IUGR
Preterm labour and preterm deliveryOnset of active labour and delivery before 37 weeks’ gestation
Spontaneous abortionThe ending of a pregnancy resulting in an expulsion of the fetus before it has reached a viable gestational age of 20 weeks, typically with a weight of ≤ 500 g
StillbirthFetal death after 20 weeks’ gestational age. If gestational age is unknown, it is defined by a fetal weight of > 500 g
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancyRefers to hypertension during pregnancy. There are 3 important types:

  • Preeclampsia—new onset of hypertension with proteinuria after 20 weeks’ gestation in a previously normotensive woman

  • Eclampsia—development of generalized tonic-clonic seizures in a woman with preeclampsia in the absence of other neurologic conditions that can account for the seizures

  • Chronic or pre-existing hypertension—hypertension (SBP > 140 mm Hg and DBP > 90 mm Hg) that predates pregnancy or that is present before 20 weeks’ gestation

  • DBP—diastolic blood pressure, IUGR—intrauterine growth restriction, SBP—systolic blood pressure, SGA—small size for gestational age.