1. What is Large for Gestational Age (LGA)?

LGA refers to newborns whose birth weight is above the 90th percentile for their gestational age. This indicates the baby is larger than 90% of babies born at the same gestational week.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses a simple comparison:

Where:

• Birth Weight — Measured weight of the newborn in kilograms
• 90th Percentile — The reference value for the specific gestational age

Explanation: The calculator compares the actual birth weight with the standard 90th percentile weight for that gestational age.

3. Importance of LGA Determination

Details: Identifying LGA infants is important because they are at higher risk for birth complications, hypoglycemia, and future metabolic disorders like obesity and diabetes.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the baby's birth weight in kilograms and the 90th percentile value for their gestational age. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Where can I find the 90th percentile values?
A: Reference tables are available in obstetrics/pediatrics resources, often based on population-specific growth charts.

Q2: What causes LGA?
A: Common causes include maternal diabetes, genetic factors, and excessive maternal weight gain during pregnancy.

Q3: What's the difference between LGA and macrosomia?
A: Macrosomia refers to absolute birth weight (>4000g or >4500g), while LGA is weight relative to gestational age.

Q4: Are there risks associated with LGA?
A: Yes, including birth trauma, shoulder dystocia, and neonatal hypoglycemia.

Q5: How is LGA managed?
A: Management may include monitoring for hypoglycemia, screening for congenital anomalies, and long-term growth monitoring.