Human Growth Hormone - Treatment For SGA

SGA is a rather broad term that covers every child that is considered "small for gestational age." This term is often also used interchangeably with LBW or low birth rate in fetuses. SGA is increasing in incidence both in developed and developing countries. For the former, there is now an 8.1% occurrence; for the latter, the range goes from 6 to 30%.

Many studies now show that SGA / LBW actually play a greater role in that child's development in his or her adult life. There are theories saying that SGA / LBW may lead to diabetes, obesity and may even affect the intelligence of the child. Researchers are now claiming that babies with low birth weight are thought to have an increased risk of developing type-2 diabetes, and becoming obese in later life. The same study shows that there is a direct link between an increased birth weight and an increase in the baby's intelligence quotient or IQ. So, if that theory is to be believed, babies born with SGA / LBW would have lower IQs than those who are born of "appropriate" or more than normal weight.

There are many causes of SGA / LBW. These include: alcoholism, chromosomal abnormalities, damaged or reduced placental tissue due to diseases, drug addiction, infections brought about by viruses, malnutrition (in the mothers,) severe anemia, tobacco smoking, and even prolonged or multiple pregnancies. Usually, with the cases of SGA / LBW, the only available option is by inducing labor early, especially when it is seen as a risk to the health of the baby. This option poses many problems to both mother and baby. For one thing, inducing labor is very painful. Moreover, children born too early usually have very high mortality rate, and are susceptible to many childhood diseases.

A new option for babies with SGA / LBW is to introduce slowly human growth hormones. This hormone is an important component in the development of bones and muscles. It is usually prescribed to children and adults who lack natural growth hormones in their systems, among many things. It is important to note that human growth hormone treatments are very potent, and should never be done without the counsel of medical practitioners - and in this case, an obstetrician-gynecologist. Also, this treatment is only done if the baby in the womb is in danger of being miscarried at any stage of the pregnancy. Dosages are prescribed with regards to many variables like: the stage of the pregnancy, the weight of mother and baby, the present health / medical condition of the mother, etc. Taking larger dosages of human growth hormones or taking them longer than prescribed will not serve any beneficial purposes. In fact, it may even harm the baby.

Human growth hormone treatments can help establish the proper weight in the developing fetus. This can also help accelerate bone and muscle development, but medications are usually stopped as soon as the baby "gains" the proper weight. Medical practitioners are also advising for the early detection of SGA / LBW