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The Small for Gestational Age Baby

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When an infant has an estimated fetal weight or abdominal circumference that is below the 10th centile, they are referred to as being small for gestational age (SGA). These babies fall into one of two categories: infants who are constitutionally normal, and infants with SGA from growth restriction.

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When an infant has an estimated fetal weight or abdominal circumference that is below the 10th centile, they are referred to as being small for gestational age (SGA). For those infants who are healthy and constitutionally normal, their low birth weight may simply be the result of factors such as maternal height, weight, ethnicity and parity. In these cases, there is no increased risk of perinatal mortality or morbidity. However, the outlook is more concerning for babies whose reduced birth weight is caused by fetal growth restriction (FGR). With an overall incidence of about 11% in Australia, the causes of FGR are diverse and may include both fetal and maternal factors, or be linked to demographic influences.

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Meet the educator

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Anne Watkins
Anne is a freelance lecturer and medical writer at Mind Body Ink. She is a former midwife and nurse teacher with over 25 years’ experience working in the fields of healthcare, stress management and medical hypnosis. Her background includes working as a hospital midwife, Critical Care nurse, lecturer in Neonatal Intensive Care, and as a Clinical Nurse Specialist for a company making life support equipment. Anne has also studied many forms of complementary medicine and has extensive experience in the field of clinical hypnosis. She has a special interest in integrating complementary medicine into conventional healthcare settings and is currently an Associate Tutor, lecturing in Health Coaching and Medical Hypnosis at Exeter University in the UK. As a former Midwife, Anne has a natural passion for writing about fertility, pregnancy, birthing and baby care. Her recent publications include The Health Factor, Coach Yourself To Better Health and Positive Thinking For Kids. You can read more about her work at www.MindBodyInk.com.
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263 reviews by Ausmed Learners
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Amy Balikoff
06 Dec 2021
Great information, I would have liked a table showing growth charts as an example and images of neonates with SGA compared to a non SGA for comparison
JF
Jane Fleming
29 Apr 2023
Very clear and concise presentation
NL
Nigel Longman
16 Dec 2021
Great - thanks for the opportunity!
JM
Jodie Mitchell
31 Mar 2022
Great article highlighting the importance of palpation
AB
Adele Ballagh
14 Feb 2022
Good overview!
ML
Megan Liddell
19 May 2022
Great resource.
ND
Narelle Dwyer
16 Dec 2021
Informative.
MS
Marilyn Steers
28 Nov 2021
Good overview on this topic.
NL
Nicola Lee
13 Jan 2022
Very good review.
LB
Louise Bottega
16 Dec 2021
Great resource
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