APGAR Score

The APGAR score is a quick test performed on a newborn at 1 and 5 minutes after birth. The score is determined by summing the points for five criteria: Heart Rate, Respiratory Effort, Muscle Tone, Reflex Response, and Color. Each criterion is scored from 0 to 2, with 2 being the best score:

• Heart Rate: 0 (absent), 1 (below 100 beats per minute), 2 (over 100 beats per minute)
• Respiratory Effort: 0 (absent), 1 (slow or irregular), 2 (good, crying)
• Muscle Tone: 0 (flaccid), 1 (some flexion of extremities), 2 (active motion)
• Reflex Response: 0 (no response), 1 (grimace), 2 (vigorous cry)
• Color: 0 (blue, pale all over), 1 (body pink, extremities blue), 2 (completely pink)

A higher score indicates a healthier baby. The maximum total score is 10, which corresponds to the best possible condition.