Lect 6 - Infant Growth and Development Flashcards
Intra-uterine growth
Embryonic/fetal growth; assessed by birthweight
Gestational age
Age since 1st day of last menstrual period (post-menstrual age)
Full-term
38-42 weeks post-menstrual age
Low birthweight
<2500 g
What is assessed at delivery of the infant?
Measurement of length, weight, head circumference
- Assessed with growth charts
What are the cut-offs for intra-uterine growth patterns (SGA, AGA, and LGA)?
- SGA: <10th percentile
- AGA: 10-90th
- LGA: >90th
Infant factors leading to SGA
Congenital anomalies, genetic conditions, congenital infections
Placental factors leading to SGA
Small placenta, inadequate placental blood flow
Maternal factors leading to SGA
Smoking, alcohol, drugs, undernutrition
Risks associated by SGA
- hypoglycemia
- inability to maintain temp (not enough fat)
- decreased immune competence
- neurological and behavioural problems
(Related to in utero adaptations)
Infant and maternal factors leading to LGA
Infant: genetic
Maternal: uncontrolled diabetes
Risk factors are different for normal LGA and baby of diabetic mother
Risks associated with LGA
All: birth injury
Infants of diabetic mothers: hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, respiratory, cardiac, cognetial problems
When do growth patterns require a follow up?
- flat growth line (not following growth curve)
- Sharp increase or decrease
- below 3rd percentile
- above 97th percentile (weight for length)
Corrected age for premature infants:
Current age - (40 - gestational age) = Corrected age
Assumes full term is 40 weeks
Physiological adaptation to post natal life
Gastrointestinal function
- GI formed before 3rd trimester and amniotic fluid is ingested in the 3rd trimester, preparing GI for nutr
- GI motility mostly developed
- Infants can digest breastmilk efficinetly (high disaccharidases, low pancreatic amylase for starch, slightly low fat digestion)
