Small baby what does it mean

The most common reason why a baby is smaller than average — weighing less than 2. The earlier the baby is born, the smaller they are likely to be. This is because the baby will have had less time in the womb to grow. A baby gains much of its weight in the last weeks of the pregnancy.

Having one or more of these risk factors does not mean you will have a baby with low birth weight, but may be at higher risk of having a baby with low birth weight.

Risk factors include:. Sometimes a baby is born weighing less than 2. For example, babies born to Indigenous mothers in Australia are twice as likely to have low birth weight than those born to non-Indigenous mothers. During routine antenatal check-ups , your doctor or midwife may estimate the growth and size of your baby by measuring the fundal height.

That is the measurement from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus. An ultrasound can also give health professionals an idea of how big your baby is likely to be — but it's not very accurate. A baby's weight is always monitored closely after they are born to make sure they are healthy and growing properly.

How well they are feeding and the number of wet nappies and poos they produce can indicate whether or not your baby is doing well. Small and large babies can both be born via normal, vaginal delivery , but you and the baby will probably need some extra care both during labour and after the birth. Talk to your doctor or midwife about the best place for you to give birth.

If your baby weighs less than 2. They may look thin with little body fat. Some of the challenges sometimes faced by small babies include:.

If there are no other complications, low birth weight babies usually 'catch up' in their physical growth. For otherwise uncomplicated IUGR, delivery is at term. But if your baby isn't doing well or you're very sick — with severe preeclampsia , for example — you may have to deliver early. First, keep in mind that IUGR is not your fault, and there is likely nothing you did to cause it.

Going forward:. Some caregivers will prescribe bedrest , but there's no evidence that it helps. BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world.

When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies. American Pregnancy Association. Intrauterine growth restriction. Fetal growth restriction: Evaluation and management.

Fetal growth restriction: screening and diagnosis. Infants with fetal intrauterine growth restriction. Join now to personalize. What is IUGR? How can my caregiver tell how big my baby is? Fetal growth restriction: What causes it? How will my IUGR baby be affected by the condition?

Will my baby have long-term effects from IUGR? What will happen during pregnancy if my baby has IUGR? Other than having a small parent, here are the most common IUGR causes: Abnormalities in the umbilical cord or placenta, the organ that delivers oxygen and nutrients to your baby in the womb. The placenta may not be functioning properly if it's too small, improperly formed, or starting to detach from the uterus placental abruption.

This can cause breathing problems. Prenatal care is important in all pregnancies. For a healthy pregnancy, stop smoking if you smoke, and don't use drugs or alcohol while you are pregnant. Eating a healthy diet during pregnancy may also help. Small for gestational age means a baby is smaller than expected for the number of weeks of pregnancy.

When the unborn baby does not get enough oxygen or nutrients during pregnancy, they don't grow as much as normal. It is especially helpful to see any growth problems of the developing baby. At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests.

Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you for your child. Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help your child.

Also know what the side effects are. Know what to expect if your child does not take the medicine or have the test or procedure. If your child has a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.

This is important if your child becomes ill and you have questions or need advice. Search Encyclopedia. Small for Gestational Age What does it mean to be small for gestational age? What causes babies to be small for gestational age? Has sickle cell anemia. Has diabetes prior to pregnancy. Drinks alcohol. Abuses drugs. How is FGR diagnosed? During your pregnancy, your doctor will do tests to find out if your baby is growing normally. Can FGR be prevented or avoided?

If you smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, or use drugs, stop now. These things can cause FGR. FGR treatment. Living with FGR. Questions to ask your doctor.

Does my baby have fetal growth restriction FGR? What is the likely cause of FGR? How often do I need an ultrasound? What lifestyle changes can I make at home to make sure my baby is healthy? After my baby is born, what health problems is my baby at risk for? How long will my baby need to stay in the hospital after birth?

Last Updated: October 19, This article was contributed by: familydoctor. Related Articles. Visit our interactive symptom checker Visit our interactive symptom checker Get Started. Close Modal Close Modal.