Neonatal behavior of small for gestational age infants

The behavioral pattern of small for gestational age (SGA) infants differs from that of appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants. Maternal malnutrition and SGA infants being a common problem in our country, we assessed the behavior of 36 full term SGA infants using the Brazelton scale. These infants had an excellent orienting capacity, state control and self quieting. Their motor performance was fair and autonomic regulation showed a good recovery over first 10 days. A comparison of this behavior with full term AGA infants showed a better orientation in SGA infants. Though there was a significant difference in motor, state regulation, and autonomic regulation, by the end of the first month they recovered to the same level as the AGA infants. The pattern of SGA behavior described is at marked variance with most of other reports from abroad.