Objective To evaluate three models of intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) in the rat for use in long term metabolism and development. Methods Fifteen pregnant rats were divided into 3 groups, in which IUGR was produced by either 1)uterine artery ligation, 2)abdominal injection of Dectinomycin, or 3) passive smoking. Newborn rats were delivered vaginally, and their body weights, rates of IUGR and perinatal death rates were compared. Results The average body weight of the newborn rats in each group was 5.546g, 5.377g, 5.103g; the IUGR rates were 27.8% , 42.2%, 61.6%; the perinatal death rates were 61.1%, 17.8%, 6.7%, respectively. Conclusion Both Dactinomycin abdominal injection and passive smoking can successfully establish an IUGR rat model, IUGR actived through passive smoking has a higher rate of fetal growth retardation and a lower mortality rate, suggesting that this may be a preferred model.