What is the Apgar Score?
A simple way to assess the condition of
newborns after birth so care providers will
know which babies need immediate
medical attention.
, How is the Apgar Score used?
• 1-minute score tells the birth attendants if the baby
needs special care
– Does the baby need to be resuscitated?
– Does the baby need to be observed more closely?
– This score reflects the state of the baby at birth, not
necessarily the long-term health of the baby
• 5-minute score can be more prognostic
– A poor score may be associated with neurologic damage
– May suggest risk of sepsis or hypoglycemia
, Criteria for Apgar Score
• Heart rate
• Respiratory effort
• Muscle tone
• Reflex irritability
• Color
A simple way to assess the condition of
newborns after birth so care providers will
know which babies need immediate
medical attention.
, How is the Apgar Score used?
• 1-minute score tells the birth attendants if the baby
needs special care
– Does the baby need to be resuscitated?
– Does the baby need to be observed more closely?
– This score reflects the state of the baby at birth, not
necessarily the long-term health of the baby
• 5-minute score can be more prognostic
– A poor score may be associated with neurologic damage
– May suggest risk of sepsis or hypoglycemia
, Criteria for Apgar Score
• Heart rate
• Respiratory effort
• Muscle tone
• Reflex irritability
• Color
