Apgar Scores

The Apgar score was devised in 1952 by Dr. Virginia Apgar as a simple and repeatable method to quickly and summarily assess the health of newborn immediately after birth. The Apgar score is determined by evaluating the newborn baby on five simple criteria on a scale from zero to two, then summing up the five values thus obtained. The resulting Apgar score ranges from zero to 10. The five criteria are summarized using words chosen to form an acronym Appearance Pulse Grimace Activity Respiration

Apgar scores are awarded at 1 and 5 minutes, but in instances where newborns experience low scores, they can be awarded at 1, 3, 5 and 10 minutes respectively. Apgar Table Score of 0 Skin color/Complexion Pulse rate Reflex irritability Muscle tone Breathing Reference Lowedermilk, D., Perry, S. (2007). Maternity & Womens Health Care (9th ed.). St. Louis: Mosby. blue or pale all over Absent no response to stimulation none absent Score of 1 blue at extremities body pink (acrocyanosis) <100 grimace/feeble cry when stimulated some flexion weak, irregular, gasping Score of 2 no cyanosis body and extremities pink 100 cry or pull away when stimulated flexed arms and legs that resist extension strong, lusty cry Component of acronym Appearance Pulse Grimace Activity Respiration