Small for gestational age (SGA)

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Small for gestational age (SGA) means a fetus or infant is smaller in size than normal for the baby's gender and gestational age.

Low birth weight

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: 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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