Developed during the 1950’s by Dr. Virginia Apgar to predict survival of the neonate. In which, transition to extrauterine life and the need for resuscitation is evaluated .
For Apgar Score Sheet Print Here: The Apgar Score
The Apgar score evaluates:
– Color
– Neonatal heart rate
– Reflex irritability
– Tone
– Respiratory effort
Assigned at 1 and 5 minutes of age
Few newborns score a perfect 10 around 5 minutes of age
– Most newborns are not fully pink at 1 minute of age.
– Apgar score between 7 to 10 at both 1 minute and 5 minutes of age is expected in a healthy term newborn.
– A low Apgar score at 1 minute or 5 minute of age is not predictive of future neurological damage.
– A high Apgar score at 1 minute or 5 minute of age cannot always predict a healthy newborn.
Significance of scoring
- Apgar score at 1 minute of age is used to determine level of resuscitation required.
- Apgar score at 5 minute of age has a relationship to neonatal morbidity and mortality
- Apgar score of less than 7 at 5 minutes: needs pediatrician
- Apgar score of less than 4 at 5 minutes: neonatal mortality