How is a small for gestational age (SGA) infant characterized?

A small for gestational age (SGA) infant is characterized by a weight at birth that is less than the 10th percentile for their gestational age. This classification is used to indicate that the infant's growth has been restricted during pregnancy relative to their peers, reflecting potential complications that may arise during infancy and childhood.

When a newborn is designated as SGA, it means they are smaller than 90% of infants born at the same gestational age, which can be a result of various factors such as placental insufficiency, maternal health conditions, or genetic factors. This categorization is crucial in pediatrics for determining the appropriate monitoring and intervention strategies needed to support the health of these infants.

Other percentages, such as being at the 50th percentile or greater than the 10th percentile, do not meet the criteria for SGA. Newborns at the 50th percentile are considered average for their gestational age, while those above the 10th percentile are not classified as SGA and typically do not require the same level of clinical concern as those below the 10th percentile.