Successful pregnancy is unique achievement in women's life. Fetal weight is interplay of maternal, genetic, environmental, placental, hormonal and fetal factors. In this article, maternal factors affecting fetal growth will be explored. Both low birth weight and macrosomia have impact on neonatal mortality and morbidity. Advanced maternal age, adolescent pregnancy, maternal height, parity, maternal weight, social economic status and nutrition affect fetal weight. Environmental factors like drugs, alcohol, smoking are determinants of low birth weight. Maternal infections, chronic medical disorders are other causes of IUGR. Maternal diabetes, obesity, previous macrosomic infant, excessive weight gain during pregnancy, prolonged gestation are risk factors for macrosomia. Prevention, early detection and timely interventions are cornerstones of optimisation of fetal weight 

Keywords: Maternal Factors; Fetal Nutrition; Low Birth Weight; Macrosomia; Environment.