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The predominant etiological theory of preeclampsia is that reduced uteroplacental perfusion is the unique pathogenic processes in the development of preeclampsia. Decreased uteroplacental blood flow would result in lower birth weights. However, the results from our epidemiological studies on the impact of preeclampsia on fetal growth also cannot be reconciled with this “ischemic model” in preeclampsia. Based on our studies, the majority of infants born to mothers with preeclampsia, actually, are not small when compared to infants born to mothers without preeclampsia at the same gestational age. Moreover, our studies have demonstrated that preeclampsia is also associated with high birth weight and large-for-gestational age babies. Because most babies born to pre-eclamptic mothers actually have normal to enhanced growth, the uteroplacental blood flow may be normal or increased in most preeclamptic patients. Go to Comment Form