Ventura GC, Ryan H, Yu HN, Chand KK, Colditz PB, Wixey JA. Lifelong cognitive and motor outcomes after being born small for gestational age or with fetal growth restriction. World J Clin Pediatr 2026; 15(2): 115027 [DOI: 10.5409/wjcp.v15.i2.115027]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Julie Anne Wixey, Senior Research Fellow, UQCCR, Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Behavioural Sciences, The University of Queensland, Herston Road, Herston, Brisbane 4029, Australia. j.wixey@uq.edu.au
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Behavioral Sciences
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Minireviews
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Jun 9, 2026 (publication date) through May 16, 2026
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Publication Name
World Journal of Clinical Pediatrics
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2219-2808
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Baishideng Publishing Group Inc, 7041 Koll Center Parkway, Suite 160, Pleasanton, CA 94566, USA
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Ventura GC, Ryan H, Yu HN, Chand KK, Colditz PB, Wixey JA. Lifelong cognitive and motor outcomes after being born small for gestational age or with fetal growth restriction. World J Clin Pediatr 2026; 15(2): 115027 [DOI: 10.5409/wjcp.v15.i2.115027]
World J Clin Pediatr. Jun 9, 2026; 15(2): 115027 Published online Jun 9, 2026. doi: 10.5409/wjcp.v15.i2.115027
Lifelong cognitive and motor outcomes after being born small for gestational age or with fetal growth restriction
Gemma Chavarria Ventura, Harrigan Ryan, Hai-Nian Yu, Kirat Kishore Chand, Paul Bernard Colditz, Julie Anne Wixey
Gemma Chavarria Ventura, Harrigan Ryan, Hai-Nian Yu, Kirat Kishore Chand, Paul Bernard Colditz, Julie Anne Wixey, UQCCR, Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Behavioural Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4029, Australia
Paul Bernard Colditz, Perinatal Research Centre, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Brisbane 4029, Australia
Author contributions: Ventura GC, Ryan H, and Yu HN performed the research; Ventura GC, Ryan H, Yu HN, and Wixey JA wrote the manuscript; Ventura GC, Ryan H, Yu HN, Chand KK, Colditz PB, and Wixey JA edited and approved the manuscript; Ventura GC, Ryan H, Yu HN, Chand KK, Colditz PB, and Wixey JA designed the research study; all of the authors read and approved the final version of the manuscript to be published.
AI contribution statement: ChatGPT was used for language polishing of the manuscript. An AI tool did not participate in design of the study nor were any of the images generated by AI.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All authors declare no conflict of interest in publishing the manuscript.
Corresponding author: Julie Anne Wixey, Senior Research Fellow, UQCCR, Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Behavioural Sciences, The University of Queensland, Herston Road, Herston, Brisbane 4029, Australia. j.wixey@uq.edu.au
Received: October 9, 2025 Revised: November 11, 2025 Accepted: January 14, 2026 Published online: June 9, 2026 Processing time: 220 Days and 0.1 Hours
Abstract
Children born with fetal growth restriction (FGR) or small for gestational age (SGA) face an increased risk of motor and cognitive impairments, although prevalence and severity vary across studies due to differences in definitions, assessment methods, and population characteristics. In recent years, advances in technology and clinical awareness have led to a growing body of research on the relationship between fetal growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes. This mini-review synthesises recent findings on the impact of SGA and FGR on neurodevelopment in preterm and term infants across the lifespan. Three databases were screened to identify original studies published between 2020 and 2025 with 40 studies meeting the selection criteria. Evidence suggests that children born SGA or with FGR are at higher risk of cognitive impairments, which may persist into later life; however, results from some preterm cohorts do not show significant associations. Findings on sensory and behavioural outcomes are limited and heterogeneous, reflecting the fewer studies that have addressed these domains. Regarding motor outcomes, reports on cerebral palsy remain inconsistent, with some studies suggesting no increased risk. In contrast, broader evaluations of motor function consistently indicate a higher prevalence, particularly among term-born cohorts. Together, these findings highlight the need for refined definitions, standardised assessment tools, and longitudinal studies to clarify the developmental trajectories of children born with growth complications and to guide early interventions.
Core Tip: Infants born small for gestation age or with fetal growth restriction are at higher risk of cognitive and motor impairments across the life span. While cerebral palsy prevalence remains inconsistently reported, several studies show a higher prevalence, particularly among term-born cohorts.
