Apgar Score

After your baby has been delivered, the doctor will give him a numerical score based on how well he is functioning outside of the womb. This test is called an Apgar score and it will be taken at one minute and five minutes after delivery. The test will be used to rate a newborn baby's appearance, pulse, muscle activity, responsiveness and breathing. Your baby can score a 0,1 or 2 in each field, with a total score of 0-10.

0-Baby is limp and has no movement
1-Baby shows some flexion of the arms and legs
2-Baby is moving well and active

0-Baby's heart rate is absent
1-Baby's heart rate is less than 100 bpm
2-Baby's heart rate is atleast 100 bpm

0-Baby has no response to airways being suctioned out
1-Baby shows grimace during the suctioning process
2-Baby shows grimace, pulls away, coughs or sneezes during suctioning process

0-Baby's entire body is grayish-blue or pale
1-Baby's body shows good color, but feet and hands are bluish
2-Baby shows good color on entire body

0-Baby is not breathing
1-Baby has a weak cry or whimper, slow or irregular breathing
2-Baby has a strong cry with normal breathing rate

The one minute score will help your doctor decide if the baby needs immediate medical care. If the baby scores between a 7 and a 10, no medical care is usually needed. However, do not be dissapointed if your baby does not score a perfect 10. If a score of 4 to 6 is given, your baby may need additional help breathing. He could need extra suctioning of the nose or he may require oxygen. If your baby scores a 3 or less, immediate lifesaving medical care will be given.

The five minute score helps the doctor see how well the baby's condition is improving. It will show whether the baby has responded to any necessary medical interventions that were done at the one minute check. A score of 7 to 10 is considered normal and anything under a 6 may need additional medical help.

Comments: Apgar Score

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jennllewis - 353 days ago.
I had my daughter on the 13th of Nov at 33.4 weeks..she was only 2 lbs and 10 oz she got a 9 and 9...She required no help breathing...the nurses in the NICU say that she is a poster preemie child..Keep in mind that these babies are extremly strong and capable of surviving..

Mrs-E-Russell08 - 360 days ago.
my daughters scores were 0 and 3.. :( but now she is a beautiful baby and i love her so much

mrsdenney - 362 days ago.
my son was born at 30 weeks 1 day and scored a 7 at 5 min and 8 at 10 min. i thought that was amazing due to his prematurity.

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