APGAR score is a method used to quickly assess newborn condition immediately after birth.

The APGAR scale is determined by evaluating the newborn baby on five simple criteria on a scale from zero to two, then summing up the five values obtained. The resulting APGAR score ranges from zero to 10 (Table 7.1, below).

The five criteria are:

  • Appearance (colour).
  • Pulse (heartbeat).
  • Grimace (reflex to the environment).
  • Activity(muscle tone).
  • Respiratory.
Sign 0 1 2
Heart rate Absent Below 100 Over 100
Respiratory rate Absent Slow, irregular Good, crying
Muscle tone Flaccid Some flexion of extremities Active motion
Reflex irritability No response Grimace Vigorous cry
Color Pale Cyanotic Completely pink
Table 7.1. A summary of the five criteria of APGAR score.

The APGAR test is usually given to a baby twice: the first with in 1 minute after birth, and again the second at 5 minutes after birth. Sometimes, if there are concerns about the baby's condition or if the score at 5 minutes is low, the test may be scored for a third time at 10 minutes after birth.

When the Apgar is >3/10, the newborn is severe asphyxiated; 4-5/10, moderate asphyxiated; 6-7/10, mild asphyxiated; >7/10 no asphyxiated.

Last modified: Tuesday, 21 March 2017, 4:10 PM