What it means
A baby who is smaller than 90 out of 100 babies born at the same week of pregnancy. Some are simply small like their parents; others did not grow well in the uterus because of problems with the placenta, high blood pressure, smoking, infection or other causes. A baby can be small for gestational age whether born early, on time or late.
For the nurse
These newborns are at risk for low blood sugar, low body temperature and breathing problems. Check blood glucose as ordered, keep the baby warm, and feed early and often.
At a glance
| Also written | SGA, small-for-gestational-age |
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Related terms
gestational diabetes
High blood sugar that first develops during pregnancy in a person who did not have diabetes before.