Newborn and the APGAR TEST

What is the APGAR? - it's a test that is done to baby a minute after birth. And then again five minutes after birth. It is a quick assessment of newborn well being.

APGAR measures the baby’s color, heart rate, reflexes, muscle tone and respiratory effort. And, it also determines if the child will require medical assistance in the future.

What Do The APGAR Scores Mean?

APGAR scores range from zero to two for each condition with a maximum final total score of ten. At the one minute APGAR, scores between seven and ten indicate that the baby will need only routine post delivery care. Scores between four and six indicate that some assistance for breathing might be required. Scores under four can call for prompt, lifesaving measures.

At the five minute APGAR, a score of seven to ten is normal. If the score falls below seven, the baby will continue to be monitored and retested every five minutes for up to twenty minutes. Lower than normal scores do not mean that there will be permanent health problems with the child.

Heart rate:

0 – No heart rate

1 – Fewer than 100 beats per minute indicates that the baby is not very responsive.

2 – More than 100 beats per minute indicates that the baby is vigorous.

Respiration:

0 – Not breathing

1 – Weak cry–may sound like whimpering or grunting

2 – Good, strong cry

Muscle tone:

0 – Limp

1 – Some flexing (bending) of arms and legs

2 – Active motion

Reflex response:

0 – No response to airways being stimulated

1 – Grimace during stimulation

2 – Grimace and cough or sneeze during stimulation

Color:

0 – The baby’s entire body is blue or pale

1 – Good color in body but with blue hands or feet

2 – Completely pink or good color