Large for gestational age (LGA)

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Large for gestational age (LGA) means that a fetus or infant is larger or more developed than normal for the baby's gestational age.

Gestational age is a measure of the growth and development of the fetus in the uterus and the infant after birth. LGA refers to a fetus or infant who is larger than expected for the age and gender or with a birth weight above the 90th percentile.

The measurement is based on the estimated gestational age of the fetus or infant, compared with what is considered normal height, weight, head size, and developmental level for a fetus or infant of the same age and gender.

Common causes of a fetus or infant who is large for gestational age are:

• Gestational diabetes
• Prolonged pregnancy

A baby that is large for gestational age has a higher risk of birth injury and complications of low blood sugar after delivery.

Review Date: 08/04/2009
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.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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