International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Practice Exam

Which classification indicates a newborn has a weight less than the 10th percentile?

1. Appropriate for gestational age (AGA)

2. Large for gestational age (LGA)

3. Small for gestational age (SGA)

4. Preterm

The correct answer is: Small for gestational age (SGA)

The classification indicating that a newborn has a weight less than the 10th percentile is Small for Gestational Age (SGA). This classification is specifically used to describe infants who are smaller than expected for their gestational age. Determining whether an infant falls under this category involves comparing their weight against standard growth charts that account for both the infant's gestational age and sex. SGA typically encompasses any newborn whose weight is below the 10th percentile when compared to a reference population, which suggests that these infants may have experienced growth restrictions in utero due to a variety of factors, including maternal health, placental insufficiency, or congenital anomalies. This classification is important as it can impact clinical management for the newborn. Appropriate for gestational age (AGA) refers to infants whose weight is between the 10th and 90th percentiles, thereby indicating a typical growth trajectory. Large for gestational age (LGA) applies to those infants who are above the 90th percentile, suggesting they are larger than expected, potentially due to factors such as maternal diabetes or excessive weight gain during pregnancy. Preterm describes infants born before 37 weeks of gestation, focusing on gestational age rather than weight. Each of these classifications provides essential