Intrauterine growth restriction is associated with structural alterations in human umbilical cord and decreased nitric oxide-induced relaxation of umbilical vein

•Umbilical cords of growth-restricted neonates were compared to AGA controls.•Alterations were found in the vein, the direct link from the placenta to the fetus.•IUGR is associated with structural alterations in umbilical vein in both genders.•NO-induced relaxation is reduced in umbilical vein of growth-restricted newborn girls.•The originality of the study is the focus on human umbilical cord.