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NICU Day Counter & Journal
The NICU runs on two numbers: your baby's day of life (how long they've been with you) and their PMA — the gestational age the care team tracks. This tool computes both each day and keeps a private on-device journal of every small win along the way.
Day of life, PMA, and where adjusted age starts
NICU journal — common questions
What's the difference between day of life and PMA?
Day of life counts how many days your baby has been in the world since birth (Day 1 = birth day). PMA — postmenstrual age — is the gestational age your baby would be if they were still growing in the womb. This tool shows you both.
What does PMA mean and why does the NICU use it?
PMA stands for postmenstrual age — it's the number of weeks since your last menstrual period, which matches the gestational age tracked during pregnancy. Even after birth, the NICU team continues using PMA because a baby's organ systems mature on a gestational timeline. Your care team will tell you the specific PMA goals for your baby.
Is my journal saved or shared with anyone?
No. Everything you enter stays on your own device in your browser — nothing is sent to a server, and there's no account. Your journal won't follow you to a different phone or computer, which is why the Download button saves a CSV you can open in any spreadsheet app.
When do I switch from this tool to the milestone tracker?
Once your baby is home and past their due date, the Adjusted Age Calculator and Milestone Tracker take over. The NICU counter keeps working as long as you find it useful, but the Milestone Tracker is calibrated for corrected-age development checks and pediatrician visits.
This journal is for your own records — it is not a medical chart and does not share data with your care team. Your care team's records are the official source of truth. Full disclaimer.
How we keep this accurate
Written by a preemie dad and grounded in CDC “Learn the Signs. Act Early.”, AAP, and March of Dimes guidance — checked against those sources. Use this as a conversation starter with your care team, not a substitute for it. Full disclaimer.
Free: The NICU Parent Starter Pack
Three printables in one file: the NICU survival checklist, the preemie clothing size guide, and the paced feeding quick-reference.
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