Difference between small for gestational age and low birth weight?

Nursing Students General Students

Published

Hello!

can you please tell me if there is a difference between small for gestational age and low birth weight? I see both terms used independently but I understand them to mean similar things. Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

An 800 gram baby born at 33 weeks is small for gestational age.

An 800 gram baby born at 26 weeks is low birth weight.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Yep - LBW is strictly based on weight, regardless of the baby's gestational age.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment