Large for gestational age (LGA)
Definition
The term "large for gestational age", or LGA, means a fetus or infant is larger or more developed than normal for the baby's gestational age. Gestational age is a measure of the growth and development of the fetus in the uterus and the infant after birth. A fetus or infant larger than expected for the age and gender, or with a birth weight above the 90th percentile, is referred to as LGA.
Information
The measurement is calculated based on the estimated gestational age of the fetus or infant compared with what is considered normal height, weight, head size, and developmental level for a fetus or infant of the same age and gender.
Review Date:
8/8/2005
Reviewed By:
Sharon Roseanne Thompson, M.D., M.P.H., Clinical Fellow, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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