Risk factors for small-for-gestational-age neonates: A retrospective study in Northern Greece

Introduction: Small-for-gestational-age (SGA) neonates are defined as those born below the 10th percentile for their gestational age. SGA neonates are a major concern in obstetrics due to their association with adverse neonatal outcomes. The objective of this study was to investigate the risk factors for SGA neonates. Material and methods: This retrospective case-control study was conducted from September 2024 to January 2025 at the Third Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic of the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. The study included women with low-risk pregnancies and women who gave birth to SGA neonates. Medical records were retrieved and underwent statistical analysis. Results: A total of 46 women participated in the study. Of these, 23 had uncomplicated pregnancies and appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) neonates, while the remaining 23 gave birth to SGA neonates. SGA neonates underwent induction of labor more often than the AGA ones (0,036), while smoking was identified as an independent risk factor for SGA neonates (OR: 8.430, 95% CI: 1,902 – 37,357, p=0.005). Of note, maternal age, parity, body mass index and aspirin use during pregnancy were not significantly associated with SGA. Conclusion: Our study highlighted the association between smoking and SGA neonates. The recommendation for smoking cessation has been shown to be crucial in reducing the incidence of SGA neonates.