Hi Naomi, In fetal alcohol syndrome, the mother's alcohol intake inhibits the baby's thyroid function, leading to delayed development of the heart and sometimes heart defects, and slower growth of the baby, who is usually SGA. Perhaps a case could be made for maternal hypothyroidism as a cause of slow fetal growth as well, though I know of no research. -- Catherine Watson Genna, IBCLC New York City mailto:[log in to unmask] *********************************************** The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html