What defines a large for gestational age (LGA) newborn?

A large for gestational age (LGA) newborn is defined as having a birth weight that exceeds the 90th percentile for their gestational age. This classification helps clinicians identify infants who may be at higher risk for various complications associated with their size, such as birth injuries or metabolic issues, among others.

The 90th percentile indicates that the infant's weight is greater than that of 90% of infants born at the same number of weeks gestation. This measurement is essential in pediatrics as it provides a benchmark for evaluating growth and development in newborns, guiding healthcare providers in monitoring their health status. In contrast, other definitions related to percentiles, such as those below the 10th or 50th percentiles, refer to different classifications like small for gestational age (SGA) or average for gestational age, rather than LGA.