Small for gestational age (SGA)

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Overview

Small for gestational age (SGA)

Definition

The term "small for gestational age", or SGA, means a fetus or infant is smaller in size than is expected for the baby's gender, genetic heritage, andgestational age.

Alternative Names

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR); Low birth weight

Information

Information gained from ultrasound is the diagnostic standard used to identify intrauterine growth restriction. Birth weight below the population 10th percentile, corrected for gestational age, is the most widely used definition of SGA.

Neonatal growth restriction is recognized as a syndrome that includes small size and specific metabolic abnormalities. These abnormalities include hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level), hypothermia (low body temperature), and polycythemia (increased level of red blood cells).

Review Date: 10/18/2003
Reviewed By: Francisco L. Gaudier, M. D., Maternal Fetal Medicine, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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