Patient Information Leaflet
Large for Gestational Age (LGA)
What is a Large for Gestational Age (LGA) Baby?
๐น Definition:
- Babies weighing >4.5 kg (9 lbs 14.5 oz) at birth.
- Defined as babies larger than 90th or 97th percentile on growth charts.
๐น Individualized Growth Chart:
- Created during your 12-week scan appointment, based on your height, weight, previous pregnancies, and ethnicity.
๐น Prevalence:
- About 5–8 out of 100 babies are identified as LGA.
Why Does it Matter if My Baby is LGA?
✅ Most large babies are healthy.
✅ 90% of women with LGA babies can have a vaginal birth.
⚠️ However, risks increase when:
- Birthweight exceeds 4.5 kg.
- Baby measures >97th percentile for gestational age on the growth chart.
What Causes a Baby to Be LGA?
-
๐ญ Diabetes:
- Pre-existing or gestational diabetes (GDM).
-
๐คฐ History of LGA Babies:
- Previous baby weighing >4.5 kg at birth.
-
⚖️ Maternal Obesity/Overweight:
- High BMI or excessive weight gain during pregnancy.
-
๐งฌ Genetics:
- Parents who are taller or overweight tend to have larger babies.
-
⏳ Prolonged Pregnancy:
- Gestation lasting 41 weeks or more.
What Are the Risks of Having an LGA Baby?
๐ Most pregnancies with LGA babies are safe, but there are increased risks:
Maternal Risks:
- ๐ฅ Cesarean Section (CS):
- The likelihood of CS may double or more.
- ๐ฉธ Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH):
- Increased risk of significant blood loss after delivery.
- ๐งต Perineal Tears:
- Severe tears requiring stitches under anesthesia may be threefold higher, especially for first-time mothers.
- ⏳ Delayed Labor Start:
- Induction of labor (IOL) is more likely.
Neonatal Risks:
- ๐ Shoulder Dystocia:
- Baby’s shoulders may get stuck during delivery.
- Occurs in 0.5% (1 in 200) of non-diabetic pregnancies.
- ๐ฆด Birth Injuries:
- Rarely, injuries like fractured clavicle (collarbone) or Erb’s Palsy (nerve damage).
How Do We Detect LGA Babies?
๐ Customized Growth Chart:
- Tracks your baby’s expected growth pattern throughout pregnancy.
๐ Symphysis Fundal Height (SFH):
- Measured at every antenatal visit after 26 weeks.
- Plotted on the growth chart.
๐ท Ultrasound Scan (USS):
- Offered if SFH is larger than expected on two or more occasions.
- Checks baby’s biometry (growth) and fluid volume.
- Larger babies may have more fluid, but excessive fluid may indicate diabetes or infection.
⚠️ Accuracy decreases as pregnancy advances (10–15% error rate).
What Happens After the Assessment?
-
Normal Growth:
- Referred back to midwife for routine care.
-
Suspected LGA Baby:
- Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT):
- Blood test to check for gestational diabetes.
- Performed before 34 weeks (not reliable after this).
- Consultant-led care beyond 34 weeks.
Induction of Labor (IOL)
- ๐ Routine: Offered at 39–40 weeks to reduce complications.
- ⚖️ For Very Large Babies:
- If EFW >5 kg or >97th percentile, cesarean section may be discussed.
What Happens During Labor?
- ๐ Regular Monitoring:
- Baby’s wellbeing and labor progress are continuously checked.
- ๐ Emergency Preparedness:
- Midwives and doctors are trained to manage complications like shoulder dystocia or prolonged labor.
Is There Anything I Can Do to Reduce the Risk of an LGA Baby?
๐ฟ Healthy Lifestyle Choices:
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Engage in regular exercise.
๐ Contact your midwife for personalized advice or a dietitian referral.
Summary
๐น Large for Gestational Age (LGA): Refers to babies larger than most others at the same gestational age.
๐น Key Points to Remember:
- Most LGA babies are delivered safely.
- Risks increase as weight or percentile rises.
- Early identification and monitoring are crucial.
๐น Your Role: Maintain a healthy lifestyle and communicate with your healthcare team.
REFERENCES National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, CG62 ‘ Antenatal Care for Uncomplicated Pregnancies’, March 2008.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, CG63 ‘ Diabetes in Pregnancy: Management from preconception to postnatal period’ February 2015.
NHS Choices: The UKs biggest health website, certified as a reliable source of health information- www.nhs.uk
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