The Apgar is a score based on observation of her condition at one and five minutes of life. This test is a quick and easy way to assess a baby’s physical condition and to determine if there is a need for any additional medical attention.
Named for its developer, Virginia Apgar, the letters in APGAR is also an acronym for the areas in which a baby is assessed:
- Activity – an observation of muscle tone
- Pulse – heart rate
- Grimace – baby’s reflex irritability
- Appearance – skin color
- Respiration – breathing
Each area is given a score of zero to two, for a possible total of 10 points. A baby with a score of seven or above at one minute is considered to be in good health. No matter what the initial score, the Apgar generally improves at the five-minute mark. The Apgar score is not a predictor. It is only a minute to minute standardized assessment of your baby.