The
Apgar test, named after Virginia Apgar, is a test given to
babies at one minute and five minutes after birth. Dr. Apgar
developed the Apgar test in 1952 after working in the obstetrical
field as an anesthesiologist. Her system was developed to
help doctors evaluate how baby was transitioning to life outside
the womb. The scoring system is based on five observations:
baby’s appearance (color), pulse, reflex response, muscle
tone, and respiration. The Apgar score is a simple scoring
system that any health professional can perform. Your baby’s
Apgar score does not tell you anything about her overall health.
It was designed to be an easy assessment to help doctors determine
if baby needed resuscitation and prevent birth injuries from
lack of oxygen or other complications.
Baby’s
reflex response to suctioning with a bulb syringe
No
response
Grimace
Active
cry
Activity
Baby’s
muscle tone
Limp
or no movement
Some
movement of arms and legs
Actively
moving arms and legs
Respiration
Baby’s
breathing
Not
breathing
Slow
or irregular
Breathing
well/ strong cry
What
does the Apgar score mean?
One
minute Apgar score
The
one minute Apgar score lets your doctor know if your baby
requires immediate attention. A score of 7-10 generally means
baby is in good shape and does not require any special medical
help. If baby’s score is between 4-6 she may need some
help breathing. Staff may rub baby vigorously with a towel
to help stimulate her breathing. She may need her nose suctioned
or she may need some oxygen to help her breath. If your baby’s
Apgar score is less than four she may require immediate life
saving measures to resuscitate her.
Five
minute Apgar score
Babies
are reevaluated at five minutes. Sometimes babies don’t
score well right away but after a little suctioning, oxygen,
or stimulation, they score better. If baby’s score is
still below a 7, she may require special care. If baby’s
Apgar is very low she may be sent to the neonatal intensive
care unit for more intensive monitoring and medical attention.
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