Intra-uterine growth retardation - IUGR (small for dates) means that the baby is not growing as quickly as would be expected, as indicated by monitoring the size of the uterus and using ultrasound examination. Some babies are simply small, some are thought to be small and turn out not to be, and some that are thought be normal turn out to be small. The baby who is truly suffering from growth delay may do so as a result of a number of different maternal factors such as raised blood pressure, cigarette smoking, excess alcohol intake or poor nutrition due to socio-economic factors. Placental failure can result in growth delay, as can any chronic illness affecting the mother. There is abundant evidence that intra-uterine growth problems can affect health in later life, with increased susceptibility to heart disease, lung disease and high lipid levels. Pregnant women who appear to have small babies should be encouraged to eat properly, to take plenty of rest and no cigarettes or alcohol.