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