Small for gestational age (SGA)
Definition
Small for gestational age (SGA) means a fetus or infant is smaller in size than normal for the baby's gender and gestational age.
Alternative Names
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR); Low birth weight
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)
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.
Review Date: 8/4/2009
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.
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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