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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

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:

References

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.
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