Small for gestational age is a term used to describe a baby who is smaller than the usual amount for the number of weeks of pregnancy.
This means that they are smaller than many other babies of the same gestational age.
SGA babies may be proportionately small (equally small all over) or they may be of normal length and size but have lower weight and body mass.
Although some babies are small because of genetics (their parents are small), most SGA babies are small because of fetal growth problems that occur during pregnancy.
When the fetus does not receive the necessary nutrients and oxygen needed for proper growth and development of organs and tissues.
IUGR can begin at any time in pregnancy.
Early-onset IUGR is often due to chromosomal abnormalities, maternal disease, or severe problems with the placenta.
Late-onset growth restriction (after 32 weeks) is usually related to other problems like high blood pressure.
Difficulty maintaining normal body temperature.
The baby with SGA is often identified before birth.
During pregnancy, a baby's size can be estimated in different ways.
3. Doppler flow. Another way to interpret and diagnose IUGR during pregnancy is Doppler flow, which uses sound waves to measure blood flow. Blood flow through blood vessels in both the fetal brain and the umbilical cord can be checked with Doppler flow studies.
Your baby's tolerance for specific medications, procedures.
Prenatal care, taking iron and vitamin tablets is important in all pregnancies, and especially to identify problems with fetal growth. Eating a healthy diet in pregnancy may also help.
You must consult and take second opinion , at ePsyClinic.com. Dr.Priyanka is a leading Gynaecologist of the country and is available online for consultation from 10:00 pm to 11:40 pm.