term equivalent age
Also written as: TEA — Term Equivalent Age
The developmental milestone when a preterm infant reaches 37-40 weeks postmenstrual age, equivalent to term gestation.
Full Definition
Term equivalent age (TEA) represents the developmental point when a preterm infant reaches the same postmenstrual age as a full-term infant at birth (37-40 weeks). This milestone is crucial for assessing neurodevelopmental outcomes, planning discharge, and determining appropriate interventions for preterm infants. At TEA, healthcare providers expect preterm infants to demonstrate behaviors and capabilities similar to term newborns, including coordinated feeding patterns, appropriate sleep-wake cycles, and stable temperature regulation. TEA serves as an important reference point for developmental assessments and long-term follow-up care planning.
Usage
Usage note: Important milestone for discharge planning and developmental assessments; may be abbreviated as TEA.
In Context
- "The infant born at 28 weeks gestation will reach term equivalent age in 12 weeks." — Discharge planning meeting
- "Brain MRI is typically performed at term equivalent age to assess for injury in very preterm infants." — Neonatology consultation