The Apgar Score
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What, exactly, is the "Apgar" score?
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The Apgar score is a system for rating the physical condition of newborn
babies.
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What aspects of the babies physical condition are rated?
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Five items are evaluated: heart rate; respiratory effort; muscle tone; reflex
irritability; and color.
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What do you mean by "reflex irritability?"
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We gently stimulate the baby's mouth and nose with a suction bulb and note
the baby's response.
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And how are these things scored?
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Each item is given a score of 0, 1, or 2, zero being poor and 2 being excellent.
If each of the five items is scored a 2, the baby gets a perfect Apgar score
of 10.
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So what would a zero indicate for each of the items?
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A zero would mean no heart rate is perceived, no respiratory effort exists,
the muscle tone is limp, there is no response to reflex irritability, and
the color is blue or pale.
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And a 1?
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A 1 would indicate a heart rate below 100, minimal respiratory effort (a
weak cry), some flexion of the baby's arms and legs, a grimace when stimulated,
and a pink body with blue arms and legs.
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And a 2?
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A 2 indicates a heart rate over 100, a good strong cry, active motion (arms
and legs well flexed), the baby cries when stimulated, and the color is
pink.
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When is an Apgar Score taken?
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One minute after the baby is born, then again at 5 minutes, 10 minutes, and,
if the score is low, 20 minutes.
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Is a low score a cause for alarm?
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It is not uncommon for perfectly healthy babies to have relatively low 1-minute
scores. Some babies are just a little slow getting started, especially if
the birth was difficult. If the score is still low at 5 minutes, transport
to the hospital would be considered.
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And how did this rating system get the name "Apgar?"
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It's named after the Doctor who first used it, Dr. Virginia Apgar, 40 or
50 years ago. By the way, she was honored by the Postal Service on the 20-cent
stamp.
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"Behold, Children are a gift of the Lord. The fruit of the womb is a
reward!"
(Psalm 127:3)