What are APGAR scores?

Developed by Dr Virginia Apgar, Apgar Scoring is a quick and effective system of newborn assessment immediately following the birth of your baby.

The areas assessed include:

Heart rate
Respiratory effort
Muscle tone
Reflex irritability (the baby should react to having its nose and mouth suctioned)
Skin colour

These areas are assessed twice. Once at 1 minute after the birth and again at 5 minutes after the birth. Each area can obtain a maximum score of 2 points giving a total Apgar score out of 10.

Babies seldom score a perfect 10 on the first test as their skin colour is almost certain to be bluish- and particularly their hands and feet. The second assessment is done to ensure that there is improvement on the first score, signalling an improvement in the baby's well being.

A baby who scores 7-10 points at 1 minute is in good condition. A baby who scores 6 or less probably needs extra medical attention and observation. The second score would usually be higher indicating improvement with time or medical assistance.

Apgar scores are an important part of the assessment of your newborn and are usually completed quickly so that they do not interfere with your enjoyment of your new baby.

Kerry