pediatrics
Large for Gestational Age (LGA) Infant
Key Points
Maternal diabetes mellitus is the major cause of large-for-gestational-age infants. Large size itself increases risk of birth injury (eg, clavicle or extremity long bone fracture) and perinatal asphyxia. Infants of mothers with diabetes also may have metabolic complications immediately after delivery, including hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, and polycythemia. Infants of mothers with diabetes are also at risk of respiratory distress syndrome and congenital anomalies. Good control of maternal glucose levels minimizes risk of complications. 