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Small for gestational age (SGA) - Overview

Overview

Alternative Names

Low birth weight

Definition of Small for gestational age (SGA):

Small for gestational age (SGA) means a fetus or infant is smaller in size than normal for the baby's gender and gestational age.

Information:

Ultrasound is used to find out if a fetus is smaller-than-normal for age (intrauterine growth restriction). The most widely used definition of SGA is birth weight below the 10th percentile.

A fetus with intrauterine growth restriction will be small in size and can have problems such as:

Increased red blood cells (polycythemia)
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
Low body temperature (hypothermia)

Reviewed last on: 8/4/2009
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Baschat AA, Galan HL, Ross MG, Gabbe SG. Intrauterine growth restriction. In: Gabbe SG, Niebyl JR, Simpson JL, eds. Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2007:chap 29.

Gestational age

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