A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia
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 weightInformation
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)
Review Date: 8/17/2007
Reviewed By: Melanie N. Smith, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
Reviewed By: Melanie N. Smith, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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