Because they have decreased glycogen and fat stores, small for gestational age (SGA) babies are particularly prone to hypoglycemia after birth; routine glucose measurements during the first few hours of life are recommended. Polycythemia is also common, and is related to the increased erythropoetin levels produced by a relatively hypoxic uterine environment. Fetal growth is influenced by many factors, but decreased uteroplacental function related to pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) is a fairly common etiology. This baby was mildly SGA with a birth weight of about 5 1/2 pounds. Relatively thin extremities and torso give this baby a typical SGA appearance. #clinical #newborn #peds #pediatrics #SGA #small
