In addition, CEBPA and FABP4 gene expression was found to be downregulated in AGA fetuses from IUGR/AGA pregnancies compared to AGA fetuses from AGA/AGA gestations (FC = − 2.1, FC = − 1.7; p < 0.01; respectively) (Fig. 3c, d). Here, CEBPA is linked to fetal growth restriction.