Health professionals and women's knowledge and experiences of caring for small gestational age (SGA) infants in Pakistan

•In Pakistan, every third baby is born small for gestational age (SGA) and early detection can improve outcomes for mother and baby.•Barriers to the care of SGA infants included a lack of policies, training, resources, access to healthcare, low compliance with medical advice, and a lack of data and reporting.•A whole system approach to improve service provision and outcomes is needed.•There should be improved implementation of country-specific policies, training for healthcare professionals and awareness raising amongst women and community members.