Apgar scores are a useful tool to assess a newborn’s physical health at birth. The Apgar score, named after Dr. Virginia Apgar, is a way of quickly assessing the health of a newborn baby at one minute and five minutes after birth. It is based on five criteria: heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and color.
Subtitle 1: Heart Rate
The heart rate is established by listening for a heartbeat with a stethoscope or a handheld Doppler ultrasound machine. A score of 0 is given if there is no heartbeat, a score of 1 is given if the heartbeat is less than 100 beats per minute, and a score of 2 is given if the heartbeat is greater than 100 beats per minute.
Subtitle 2: Respiratory Effort
The respiratory effort is assessed by observing the newborn’s breathing pattern and noting if the baby is making regular breaths. A score of 0 is given if the baby is not breathing, a score of 1 is given if the breaths are shallow and irregular, and a score of 2 is given if the baby is making regular, deep breaths.
Subtitle 3: Muscle Tone
The muscle tone is assessed by gently flexing the baby’s arms and legs and noting whether the baby’s limbs remain in the position or return to a flexed position. A score of 0 is given if the limbs remain flaccid and a score of 2 is given if the limbs remain in the flexed position.
Subtitle 4: Reflex Irritability
The reflex irritability is assessed by gently stimulating the baby’s skin with a light brush or touch and noting the baby’s response. A score of 0 is given if the baby does not respond, a score of 1 is given if the baby grimaces or withdraws from the stimulus, and a score of 2 is given if the baby cries.
Subtitle 5: Color
The color is assessed by looking at the newborn’s skin color, noting whether it is pale, pink, or bluish. A score of 0 is given if the baby is blue, a score of 1 is given if the baby is pale or has pinkish areas, and a score of 2 is given if the baby is completely pink.
The total Apgar score of a newborn is calculated by adding together the five scores. Scores range from 0-10, with a score of 7 or above usually indicating a healthy baby.
