Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
postmenstrual age
Also written as: PMA — Postmenstrual Age
Gestational age plus chronological age, used to track development in premature infants.
Full Definition
The age of an infant calculated by adding the gestational age at birth to the chronological age since birth, expressed in weeks. This measurement is crucial for tracking developmental milestones in premature infants and determining appropriate timing for procedures, medications, and interventions. Postmenstrual age provides a more accurate developmental reference than chronological age alone for preterm infants and is used until approximately 40-44 weeks postmenstrual age.
Usage
Usage note: Express in weeks and days format; distinguish from corrected age used in outpatient follow-up.
In Context
- "At 36 weeks postmenstrual age, the infant demonstrated appropriate sucking coordination." — Developmental assessment
- "Caffeine therapy should continue until 33-35 weeks PMA or apnea resolution." — Treatment protocol
Also known as
PMA
post-conceptional age
Contrasted with
chronological age
Don't confuse with
corrected gestational age
gestational age
conceptual age