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, and gestational age.

Alternative Names:

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR); Low birth weight

Information:

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

Neonatal growth restriction is 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: 8/8/2005
Reviewed By: Sharon Roseanne Thompson, M.D., M.P.H., Clinical Fellow, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Brighan and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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