Small for gestational age (SGA)
Small for gestational age (SGA) means a developing baby in the womb or an infant is smaller in size than normal for the baby's gender and gestational age.
Information
Ultrasound is used to find out if a developing baby (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 developing baby 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)
Alternative Names
Low birth weight
References
Carlo WA. Prematurity and intrauterine growth restriction. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 19th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 91.2.
Updated: 4/12/2012
Reviewed by: 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.
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