In human placentas, the expression of PHLDA2, along with the epigenetic regulators DNMT1, DNMT3A, DNMT3B, and TET3, was significantly elevated in cases of IUGR compared to non-IUGR placentas, confirming that excess PHLDA2 adversely affects normal placental development. This evidence concerns the gene DNMT3A and fetal growth restriction.