What is APGAR Score?
The APGAR Score is a quick assessment tool used immediately after birth to evaluate a newborn baby’s physical condition and determine whether they need immediate medical care.
APGAR is an acronym:
| Letter | Stands For | What It Assesses |
|---|---|---|
| A | Appearance | Skin color |
| P | Pulse | Heart rate |
| G | Grimace | Reflex response to stimulation |
| A | Activity | Muscle tone |
| R | Respiration | Breathing effort and rate |
Scoring System:
Each category is scored 0, 1, or 2, for a total out of 10 points.
| Score | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| 7–10 | Normal; healthy baby |
| 4–6 | Fair; may need help (e.g., oxygen) |
| 0–3 | Critical; immediate resuscitation required |
When Is It Given?
At 1 minute after birth (initial adaptation)
At 5 minutes after birth (response to care)
Sometimes again at 10 minutes if needed
Important Note in ECSE:
A low APGAR score may be an early indicator of birth complications but does not diagnose intellectual disability or developmental delay.
It can be one of the early risk factors to watch for during developmental surveillance.
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