Why is large for gestational age (LGA) a concern?
Because LGA babies are so large, delivery can be difficult. Delivery problems may include the following: • prolonged vaginal delivery time • difficult birth • increase in cesarean delivery Because many large babies are born to diabetic mothers, many problems of LGA babies are related to problems with glucose regulation. These may include the following: • hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) of baby after delivery • increased incidence of birth defects • respiratory distress (difficulty breathing) Many babies with LGA also have hyperbilirubinemia (jaundice – yellowing of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes).
