Apgar Scores

The Apgar score was originally invented by Doctor Virginia Apgar.

 

The Apgar test is simple and essentially provides the doctor a very basic way to observe the newborn in order to help the newborn stabilize.

 

The Apgar score is widely used across the world. The test is performed at one and five minutes after birth. The one minute test measures the infant’s toleration of the birth process, and the five minute test measures how the infant is adapting or responding to the new environment.

 

The Apgar test is broken down into the following five categories.

Heart Rate

0 = No heartbeat

1 = Slower than normal heart rate (newborn the heart rate should be 100 or higher)

2  =  Normal heart rate

0 =  Not breathing

1 = Irregular or slow breathing usually infant has weak cry

2 = Regular breathing indicated by strong cry

 

0 = Infant is limp

1 = Some extremity flexion

2  = Infant is active with muscle movements

0 = No response

1 =  Grimace

2 = Vigorous cry or sneeze

 

0 = Blue/Pale

1 = Blue extremities and sometimes pink body        

2 = Pink

 

You take the 0-2 number from each of the five categories and add for a total. 

So let’s say your child received the following:

Heart rate = 1

Respiration = 2