THE CONTEXT
Newborn size can be described using absolute birth weight and weight relative to gestational age. Intrauterine growth curves assess growth before birth.
Absolute birth-weight thresholds
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Low birth weight (LBW) means birth weight below 2500 g.
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Very low birth weight (VLBW) means birth weight below 1500 g.
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Extremely low birth weight (ELBW) means birth weight below 1000 g.
Weight relative to gestational age
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Plot weight against gestational age on an intrauterine growth curve to assess intrauterine growth.
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Appropriate for gestational age (AGA) corresponds to the 10th percentile up to, but excluding, the 90th percentile.
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Small for gestational age (SGA) corresponds to below the 10th percentile.
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Large for gestational age (LGA) corresponds to the 90th percentile or above.
Features of suboptimal intrauterine growth
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The passage describes SGA neonates as having suboptimal intrauterine growth, termed intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).
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These neonates appear thin and slender, with loose folds of wrinkled skin and monkey-like faces.
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Intrauterine growth charts differ from postnatal growth charts, which assess growth after birth.