What is the

APGAR SCORE?

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The APGAR score is based on a test, 1 minute following birth to assess the
health and well-being of your newborn baby. The test is repeated again at
5 minutes to ensure that your baby is continuing to progress well.

An APGAR score of 7 or more is considered a healthy baby without any

need for assistance, such as suctioning of airways to help with breathing.

A Activity (Muscle Tone)

Score 0 Limp / No movement
Score 1 Little Movement of arms and legs
Score 2 Active Movement

P Pulse (Heart Rate)

Score 0 No Heart Rate
Score 1 Less than 100 beats per minute
Score 2 Above 100 beats per minute

G Grimace (Reflexes)
Score 0 No response to stimulation
Score 1 Facial response to stimulation
Score 2 Facial and pull away during stimulation

A Appearance (Skin Tone)

Score 0 Bluish-gray or pale colour
Score 1 Normal colour with bluish hands or feet
Score 2 Normal colour all over

R Respiration (Breathing)
Score 0 Not breathing
Score 1 Slow or irregular breathing / weak cry
Score 2 Normal breathing rate / Good, strong cry

The 1 minute APGAR score indicates how well your newborn baby
tolerated the birthing process, while the 5 minute score indicates how well
your baby is coping outside your womb.

It’s important to know and understand your baby’s APGAR score at both of
these times.

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