Inpatient Obstetric Nurse Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Prep Guide

The term for infants who have a birth weight greater than the 90th percentile on growth charts is Large for Gestational Age (LGA). This classification indicates that these infants are heavier than the majority of their peers of the same gestational age, which can be indicative of several factors including maternal obesity, diabetes, or genetics. Recognizing LGA is critical in an obstetric setting, as these infants may have a higher risk for certain complications during delivery, as well as an increased likelihood of neonatal issues such as hypoglycemia.

In contrast, Small for Gestational Age (SGA) refers to infants whose weight is below the 10th percentile, indicating they may be undernourished or have growth restrictions during pregnancy. Appropriate for Gestational Age (AGA) refers to those who fall between the 10th and 90th percentiles, representing typical growth patterns. Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) is specifically designated for infants weighing less than 1500 grams (3.3 pounds) at birth, which is a separate measure of infant growth that emphasizes the weight rather than the percentile on growth charts. Understanding these classifications aids in monitoring and managing the health of newborns effectively.