If there are no other complications, low birth weight babies usually 'catch up' in their physical growth. In later life, however, people who were born smaller than average are more likely to develop diabetes, obesity, heart problems and high blood pressure.

How quickly do small babies catch up?

The majority of infants born SGA experience catch-up growth in the first few months, followed by a normal pattern of development. Catch-up growth of infants born SGA mainly occurs from 6 months to 2 years and approximately 85% of SGA children will have caught up by age 2 years2,17,18,19).

Do babies born small stay small?

Babies who are born small for their gestational age (SGA) tend to remain small as children. This study tracked SGA babies past their adolescent growth spurt and found that they are likely to become short adults as well.