A newborn who weighs more than 90% of newborns of the same gestational age at birth (above the 90th percentile) is considered large for gestational age. Show
Gestational age refers to how far along the fetus is. The gestational age is the number of weeks between the first day of the mother's last menstrual period and the day of delivery. This time frame is often adjusted according to other information doctors receive, including the results of early ultrasound scans, which give additional information regarding the gestational age. A baby is estimated to be due (the due date) at 40 weeks of gestation. At a gestational age of 40 weeks, boys who weigh more than about 9 pounds 4 ounces (4.2 kilograms) are large for gestational age (LGA). Girls who weigh more than about 9 pounds 1 ounce (4.1 kilograms) are LGA. Doctors use published growth charts or computer apps to evaluate babies at other gestational ages. Macrosomia (large body) is a related term used to describe infants who weigh more than 9 pounds 15 ounces (4.5 kilograms). Large newborns may be normal babies who simply are large because the parents are large. However, certain problems in the mother sometimes cause babies to be large for gestational age. The most common cause of LGA newborns is Other risk factors for having LGA newborns include
The reason for excessive growth of the fetus varies but primarily results from an abundance of nutrients combined with hormones in the fetus that stimulate growth. In pregnant women who have poorly controlled diabetes, a large amount of sugar (glucose) crosses the placenta (the organ that provides nourishment to the fetus), resulting in high levels of glucose in the fetus’s blood. The high levels of glucose trigger the release of increased amounts of the hormone insulin from the fetus’s pancreas. The increased amount of insulin results in accelerated growth of the fetus, including almost all organs except the brain, which grows normally. Symptoms of large-for-gestational-age (LGA) newborns are mainly related to any complications that occur. Common complications in LGA newborns include the following:
During pregnancy, doctors measure the distance on the woman's abdomen from the top of the pubic bone to the top of the uterus (fundus). This measurement, called a fundal height measurement, corresponds roughly with the number of weeks of pregnancy. If the measurement is high for the number of weeks, the fetus may be larger than expected. After birth, LGA is diagnosed by assessing the gestational age and the weight of the baby. LGA newborns are assessed for any complications. Blood sugar is measured to detect hypoglycemia, and doctors do a thorough examination to look for birth injuries and structural or genetic abnormalities. The most common problems of LGA infants (hypoglycemia, birth injuries, and lung problems) typically resolve over a few days with no long-term consequences. As adults, LGA girls have an increased risk of having an LGA infant. All LGA infants are at risk of obesity and may have an increased risk of heart disease.
There is no specific treatment for large-for-gestational-age newborns, but underlying conditions and complications are treated as needed. Newborns with hypoglycemia are treated with early (within 1 hour after birth) and frequent feedings, or sometimes are given glucose with fluids by vein. What is a good Apgar score for a newborn?A baby who scores a 7 or above on the test is considered in good health. A lower score does not mean that your baby is unhealthy. It means that your baby may need some immediate medical care, such as suctioning of the airways or oxygen to help him or her breathe better.
What does an Apgar score of 1 mean?1 – Fewer than 100 beats per minute indicates that the baby is not very responsive. 2 – More than 100 beats per minute indicates that the baby is vigorous. Respiration: 0 – Not breathing. 1 – Weak cry–may sound like whimpering or grunting.
What are the 5 parts of Apgar scoring?This scoring system provided a standardized assessment for infants after delivery. The Apgar score comprises five components: 1) color, 2) heart rate, 3) reflexes, 4) muscle tone, and 5) respiration, each of which is given a score of 0, 1, or 2.
Which of the following is the best Apgar score quizlet?-A combined Apgar score of 7 or better indicates that the infant is in good physical condition. -If the score is between 4 and 6, the baby requires assistance in establishing breathing and other vital signs. -If the score is 3 or below, the infant is in serious danger and requires emergency medical attention.
|