What To Do In Case Of Small Baby For Gestational Age

What To Do In Case Of Small Baby For Gestational Age?

Since the moment a woman becomes pregnant, there is only one thing that she keeps stressing about. The baby which is going to be born in a few months should be healthy. In order to make sure of that, pregnant women always get 4D well-being scans. But several problems can occur during a pregnancy. One such problem is a baby being small compared to its gestational age.

Baby For Gestational Age


Small Baby for Gestational Age

When a baby is born of low weight and small in size as compared to the standard size of most babies. Their weight can be 10% lower than the other babies of the same gestational age. They can be of the same height but will have lower body mass and weight. This condition can be easily detected beforehand with the help of a 4D well-being scan.

Factors to keep in mind for small babies

  • Not all babies with this problem are born premature which is before the week 37. Some of them are born full-term which is week 37 to week 41. Others are born post-term which is after week 42 weeks.
  • But you should also know that babies can be small because of their genetics. Although, in most cases, it occurs due to growth-related problems. So, you need to make sure what the reason is.
  • If it is not genetics, then it is usually because your baby is not receiving enough nutrients and oxygen in the womb. This is why babies can have growth-related problems.
  • As mentioned before, it can be detected before birth with the help of a well-being scan.
  • This is why prenatal care and visiting the doctor regularly is important for every pregnancy.

Causes Of Small Baby for Gestational Babies

If a baby is small, then the baby is diagnosed with Intrauterine Growth Restriction. It happens due to a lack of nutrients and oxygen. Vitamins, oxygen, and nutrients in adequate amounts are essential during pregnancy. It can happen anytime during pregnancy. If it is detected in the earlier months of the pregnancy, then it can be due to other problems with the mother’s health. These problems can be:

  • High Blood pressure which is the most common problem
  • Diabetes
  • Anaemia
  • Heart Disease
  • Respiratory Problems
  • Malnutrition
  • Smoking, drinking, Drugs

So, if you have any of these problems, it is best to get them treated as soon as possible. Otherwise, you should visit the doctor to keep these problems under control. Make sure to get a 4D well-being scan early on to help detect this problem in your baby, so that it can be treated, if possible.