Apgar Test
APGAR
APGAR is a quick test performed at 1 and 5 minutes after birth. The 1-minute score determines how well the baby tolerated the birthing process. The 5-minute score assesses how well the newborn is adapting to the new environment.
The rating is based on a total score of 1 to 10, with 10 suggesting the healthiest infant.
How the Test is Performed
The APGAR test is done by a doctor, midwife, or nurse. The health care provider will examine the baby's: * Breathing effort * Heart rate * Muscle tone * Reflexes * Skin color
Each category is scored with 0, 1, or 2, depending on the observed condition. * Breathing effort: * If the infant is not breathing, the respiratory score is 0. * If the respirations are slow or irregular, the infant scores 1 for respiratory effort. * If the infant cries well, the respiratory score is 2. * Heart rate is evaluated by stethoscope. This is the most important assessment: * If there is no heartbeat, the infant scores 0 for heart rate. * If heart rate is less than 100 beats per minute, the infant scores 1 for heart rate. * If heart rate is greater than 100 beats per minute, the infant scores 2 for heart rate. * Muscle tone: * If muscles are loose and floppy, the infant scores 0 for muscle tone. * If there is some muscle tone, the infant scores 1. * If there is active motion, the infant scores 2 for muscle tone. * Grimace response or reflex irritability is a term describing response to stimulation such as a mild pinch: * If there is no reaction, the infant scores 0 for reflex irritability. * If there is grimacing, the infant scores 1 for reflex irritability. * If there is grimacing and a cough, sneeze, or vigorous cry, the infant scores 2 for reflex irritability. * Skin color: * If the skin color is pale blue, the infant scores 0 for color. * If the body is pink and the extremities are blue,
APGAR is a quick test performed at 1 and 5 minutes after birth. The 1-minute score determines how well the baby tolerated the birthing process. The 5-minute score assesses how well the newborn is adapting to the new environment.
The rating is based on a total score of 1 to 10, with 10 suggesting the healthiest infant.
How the Test is Performed
The APGAR test is done by a doctor, midwife, or nurse. The health care provider will examine the baby's: * Breathing effort * Heart rate * Muscle tone * Reflexes * Skin color
Each category is scored with 0, 1, or 2, depending on the observed condition. * Breathing effort: * If the infant is not breathing, the respiratory score is 0. * If the respirations are slow or irregular, the infant scores 1 for respiratory effort. * If the infant cries well, the respiratory score is 2. * Heart rate is evaluated by stethoscope. This is the most important assessment: * If there is no heartbeat, the infant scores 0 for heart rate. * If heart rate is less than 100 beats per minute, the infant scores 1 for heart rate. * If heart rate is greater than 100 beats per minute, the infant scores 2 for heart rate. * Muscle tone: * If muscles are loose and floppy, the infant scores 0 for muscle tone. * If there is some muscle tone, the infant scores 1. * If there is active motion, the infant scores 2 for muscle tone. * Grimace response or reflex irritability is a term describing response to stimulation such as a mild pinch: * If there is no reaction, the infant scores 0 for reflex irritability. * If there is grimacing, the infant scores 1 for reflex irritability. * If there is grimacing and a cough, sneeze, or vigorous cry, the infant scores 2 for reflex irritability. * Skin color: * If the skin color is pale blue, the infant scores 0 for color. * If the body is pink and the extremities are blue,