The levels of lipid peroxidation in sera of asymmetric small-for-gestational-age (SGA) babies at the second hour of life were investigated. Lipid peroxidation levels, measured as malondialdehyde (MDA), were 3.3 +/- 1.1 and 3.9 +/- 1.2 mmol/L in SGA and appropriate-for-gestational age (AGA) groups, respectively. The difference was not significant (p>0.05). This result may indicate that free radical scavengers are sufficient in SGA babies.