Infant- Small for Gestation

Infant--Small for Gestation
What is it?
*Smaller than normal- for the time spent in the uterus
Why small at birth?
*Heredity- small parents, genetic disorder
-poor functioning placenta- insufficient supply of oxygen/nutrients to placenta
-may be due to mother having- high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease
-mother addicted to drugs- narcotics, cocaine, heavy alcohol users, heavy smokers
*Less common- infection of fetus or mother
-Rubella virus (German Measles), cytomegalovirus, Toxiplasma gondii
Facts:
*Has fully developed organs
*Despite size appear and behave normal
*If infant’s growth slowed due to inadequate nutrition can catch up quickly
with adequate nutrition
*Poor placenta function, needs oxygen during delivery, fetal distress-then
delivery is preformed quickly (C-section)
*Baby deprived of oxygen during delivery may pass stool (meconium)
-goes into the amniotic fluid
-can cause lung inflation, airways to collapse, lungs rupture
What can I do?
*See your Physician
-monitor for hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar/Glucose)
*See RD for help with nutrition
*See FFF RD on line for help