The Apgar score is a measure of a newborn's physical state that is commonly used to assess the health of a newborn baby shortly after birth. It is named after Dr. Virginia Apgar, who developed the score in 1952. The Apgar score is used to assess a newborn's physical condition and is based on five criteria: heart rate, respiration, muscle tone, reflexes, and color. A score of seven or higher is considered normal, while a score of four or lower is considered to indicate asphyxia neonatorum.
Heart Rate
The first criteria used in assessing an Apgar score is heart rate. A newborn's heart rate should be at least 100 beats per minute (bpm). If the heart rate is below 100 bpm, the baby is assigned a score of 0, 1, or 2. A score of 0 indicates no heartbeat, 1 indicates a heart rate between 0 and 99 bpm, and 2 indicates a heart rate of 100 bpm or greater.
Respiration
The second criteria used in assessing an Apgar score is respiration. A newborn's respiration should be strong and regular. If the baby is not breathing, the baby is assigned a score of 0. If the baby is breathing irregularly or weakly, the baby is assigned a score of 1. If the baby is breathing regularly and strongly, the baby is assigned a score of 2.
Muscle Tone
The third criteria used in assessing an Apgar score is muscle tone. A newborn's muscle tone should be strong. If the baby's muscle tone is limp, the baby is assigned a score of 0. If the baby's muscle tone is slightly flexed, the baby is assigned a score of 1. If the baby's muscle tone is active, the baby is assigned a score of 2.
Reflexes
The fourth criteria used in assessing an Apgar score is reflexes. A newborn's reflexes should be strong. If the baby has no reflexes, the baby is assigned a score of 0. If the baby has weak reflexes, the baby is assigned a score of 1. If the baby has strong reflexes, the baby is assigned a score of 2.
Color
The fifth criteria used in assessing an Apgar score is color. A newborn's color should be pink. If the baby is pale or blue, the baby is assigned a score of 0. If the baby is slightly pink or blue, the baby is assigned a score of 1. If the baby is pink, the baby is assigned a score of 2.
The Apgar score is used to assess a newborn's physical condition shortly after birth and is based on five criteria: heart rate, respiration, muscle tone, reflexes, and color. A score of seven or higher is considered normal, while a score of four or lower is considered to indicate asphyxia neonatorum. The Apgar score helps medical professionals quickly assess a newborn's physical condition and determine whether or not the baby is suffering from asphyxia neonatorum.
