The APGAR score was developed by Dr. Virginia Apgar in 1952 as a way to quickly assess a newborn baby. This assessment is done at 1 minute of life, 5 minutes of life and can be repeated after that as the condition of the baby warrants.
There are 5 categories that are scored with a maximum of 2 points per category. The categories scored include the baby’s color, heart rate, reflexes, muscle tone and respiratory effort.
The categories and scores are as follows:
0 = Blue or pale
1 = Blue hands or feet
2 = Completely pink
0 = No heart rate
1 = Heart rate less than 100 beats per minute
2 = Heart rate over 100 beats per minute
0 = No response to stimulation
1 = Grimace or weak cry with stimulation
2 = Cry with stimulation
0 = Limp, floppy
1 = Some flexion of extremities
2 = Active motion
0 = Absent
1 = Slow, irregular breathing
2 = Strong cry
Apgar scores below 5 at 1 minute is an indication to healthcare providers that your baby needs some immediate interventions such as providing oxygen, suctioning or even CPR if indicated.
A low Apgar score may be an indication that the baby has suffered a hypoxic or anoxic event during the labor and delivery process.
If you believe your baby may have suffered from a lack of oxygen during the labor and delivery process, call the Bereston Law Offices for a free consultation.