Overview
Most babies with SGA will catch-up to a normal length and/or weight by 2 years of age. Approximately 2.3% of all new-borns are born SGA.
Cause
Impaired growth of the baby while in the womb can be caused by a number of factors, including genetic, maternal, placental and demographic. Often the exact cause is not known.
Symptoms
Short stature is the main sign of SGA, other symptoms include poor appetite and reduced food intake, which results in leanness in comparison with children of the same age.
Diagnosis
Many babies will catch-up and return to normal growth within the first two years of life; however, some children will remain shorter. In some cases, children that do not catch up will need growth hormone therapy to help them to grow.
Calculate your child’s growth
It is important to keep track of your child’s growth in order to identify if there is a problem early on. We recommend measuring your child every 6 months, which is now easier, with our simple to use growth calculator.
Get prepared for talking to your doctor
If you are concerned about your child’s growth, don’t hesitate to speak with an HCP. They will be able to complete some measurements and investigate further if needed, potentially referring you on to a specialist. Here we can help you plan for both conversations.
