postmenstrual age
Also written as: PMA — Postmenstrual Age
The time elapsed since the first day of the mother's last menstrual period, calculated as gestational age plus chronological age.
Full Definition
Postmenstrual age (PMA) is a critical timing measurement in neonatal care that represents the total time from conception, calculated by adding the infant's current chronological age to their gestational age at birth. This measurement is essential for determining appropriate developmental expectations, medication dosing, and treatment protocols for preterm infants. PMA is particularly important when assessing whether an infant has reached term-equivalent development (40 weeks PMA) and for timing interventions such as eye examinations for retinopathy of prematurity screening. Healthcare providers use PMA rather than chronological age alone when making clinical decisions about preterm infants.
Usage
Usage note: Essential for accurate developmental assessment in preterm infants; always specify whether using PMA or chronological age.
In Context
- "The infant's PMA is now 35 weeks, making them eligible for oral feeding trials." — Medical progress note
- "Eye examination for ROP screening should be performed when the infant reaches 31 weeks PMA." — Ophthalmology consult