Incidence and outcome of small for gestational age foetuses: an experience from a secondary care hospital.

The objective of the study was to determine the frequency and outcome of Small for Gestational Age (SGA) foetuses, and its association with the mode of delivery, foetal birthweight, maternal age and gestational age. It was a hospital-based descriptive study, conducted at Aga Khan Hospital for Women, Karachi, from January 2009 to December 2010. Mode of deliveries, foetal birthweight, maternal age and gestational age of SGA foetuses were recorded and analszed. Of a total of 6024 deliveries during the study period, 722 (11.98%) had SGA foetuses. Maternal age in such cased ranged between 20-40 years in 588 (81.44%), while 406 (56.23%) of these deliveries were in between 34-37 weeks of gestation. Besides, 396 (54.84%) cases were delivered vaginally. The incidence of SGA increased from 2009 to 2010 (13.13% vs 10.76%). The frequency of SGA foetuses tends to be significantly higher in Pakistan compared to the Western world. Prenatal care and better management can potentially avoid the occurrence of SGA deliveries, perinatal morbidity and mortality.