THE APGAR TEST: Assessing a newborns health

Apgar which stands for activity, pulse, grimace, appearance and respiration is a quick test performed at one and five minutes after birth. The one-minute score determines how well the baby tolerated the birthing process. The five-minute score assesses how well the newborn is adapting to the new environment.

T Why does it matter?

An Apgar score is used to determine whether a newborn needs medical attention to stabilize the heart or breathing function. A score below 7 at the five-minute mark is linked to a greater prevalence of neurologic disability and lower cognitive functioning. Its also associated with a higher long-term risk of epilepsy.

UNHEALTHY NEWBORN Total score: 0-5

Child needs immediate assistance

SCORE: 0 Breathing
Absent

SCORE: 1
Weak or irregular

SCORE: 2
Infant is breathing and crying

HEALTHY NEWBORN Total score: 7-10

(10 is rare)

Reflex response
No response to stimulation Grimacing when stimulated Grimacing, crying and coughing

Heart rate
Absent Slow Fast

T How does it work?

An Apgar rating is based on a total score of 1 to 10, with 10 indicating the healthiest infant. The test is carried out by a doctor, midwife or nurse who evaluates the babys breathing, heart rate, muscle tone, reflexes and skin colour and assigns a value between 0 and 2 for each of the five physical indicators.

Muscle tone
Limp Some bending or stretching of limbs Active movement

Skin colour
Pale blue Body pink with blue extremities Entire body is pink

SOURCE: U.S. NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE, NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH

Dean Tweed // THE HAMILTON SPECTATOR