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Published on: November 20, 2015
Risk factors for small for gestational age infants
Lesley McCowan1, Richard P Horgan
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019 Auckland, New Zealand. l.mccowan@auckland.ac.nz
Summary
Identifying risk factors for babies small for gestational age (SGA) is crucial. Maternal and paternal characteristics, medical history, and pregnancy complications significantly influence SGA risk, while diet may offer protection.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Neonatal Health
- Public Health
Background:
- Small for gestational age (SGA) infants, defined by population birth weight centiles (<10th), face established risks.
- Understanding these risks is vital for improving neonatal outcomes and informing clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review and synthesize established risk factors associated with SGA births.
- To highlight areas for future research, particularly concerning customized centiles for SGA assessment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of established risk factors for SGA.
- Categorization of risk factors into maternal, pregnancy-related, paternal, and protective factors.
Main Results:
- Maternal factors include short stature, low weight, ethnicity, nulliparity, maternal SGA history, smoking, and cocaine use.
- Maternal medical history (hypertension, renal disease, antiphospholipid syndrome, malaria) and pregnancy complications (bleeding, abruption, pre-eclampsia) are significant risk factors.
- Paternal factors (short stature, SGA history) and inter-pregnancy interval also contribute to SGA risk.
- High maternal milk, green leafy vegetable, and fruit intake are associated with reduced SGA risk.
Conclusions:
- Numerous maternal, paternal, and pregnancy-related factors contribute to SGA risk.
- Future research should focus on SGA defined by customized centiles due to higher associated morbidity and mortality.
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