Small for gestational age (SGA) infants are at risk for which of the following complications?

Small for gestational age (SGA) infants face a higher risk for various complications due to their lower weight and size compared to their peers. One significant risk they encounter is hypothermia. This is mainly because these infants often have less subcutaneous fat, which serves as insulation, and they might have difficulty maintaining their body temperature after birth. Since adequate body temperature is vital for all physiological functions, SGA infants can quickly lose heat, leading them to become hypothermic if not properly monitored and managed. Immediate care, including appropriate room temperature and skin-to-skin contact, is critical to help prevent this issue.

Hyperglycemia, hypertension, and hypercalcemia are not typically associated with SGA infants. Hyperglycemia is more commonly seen in larger infants or those whose mothers had gestational diabetes, while hypertension can arise from various factors, but is not a primary concern in SGA infants. Hypercalcemia involves elevated calcium levels, which are not directly linked to being small for gestational age.