APGAR Score

Updated: Mar 02, 2023
  • Author: Jennifer L Miller; Chief Editor: Jennifer L Miller  more...
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APGAR Score

The Apgar score is used as a part of early assessment of a newborn. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

A score of 0, 1, or 2 is assigned to each of the 5 physical signs at 1 and 5 minutes after birth. The maximum score that can be assigned is 10. Scores ranging from 7-10 are considered normal. If the 5-minute Apgar score is abnormal (< 7), appropriate measures should be taken. Apgar scores should be assigned every 5 minutes until the infant is stabilized.

Heart rate

  • 2 points = ≥100 beats/min

  • 1 point = < 100 beats/min

  • 0 points = Absent

Respirations

  • 2 points = Regular breathing/strong cry

  • 1 point = Irregular/weak/slow breathing/gasping

  • 0 points = Absent

Muscle tone and movement

  • 2 points = Good flexion/action motion

  • 1 point = Some flexion

  • 0 points = None/limp

Skin color / oxygenation

  • 2 points = Body and extremities pink

  • 1 point = Blue at extremities; pink body

  • 0 points = Completely blue

Reflex irritability to tactile stimulation

  • 2 points = Cry/cough/sneeze

  • 1 point = Grimace/feeble cry when stimulated

  • 0 points = Silence; no response to stimulation