corrected gestational age
A method of calculating an infant's developmental age by adjusting chronological age based on how early the infant was born relative to full term.
Full Definition
Corrected gestational age (CGA), also known as adjusted age, is calculated by subtracting the number of weeks an infant was born early from their chronological age. For example, a 6-month-old infant born at 28 weeks gestation (12 weeks early) would have a corrected gestational age of 3 months. This adjustment is crucial for assessing growth, development, and developmental milestones in premature infants, as it accounts for the time the infant would have spent developing in utero. CGA is typically used until the child reaches 24 months of age for very premature infants. Healthcare providers use CGA to make appropriate comparisons with developmental norms and to guide timing of interventions such as immunizations and developmental assessments.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as CGA; clarify which age is being referenced in documentation
In Context
- "At 6 months chronological age, the infant's corrected gestational age was 4 months." — Developmental assessment
- "Immunization schedules should be based on chronological age, not corrected gestational age." — Clinical guideline