Apgar score
Infant health rating
An Apgar score is a quick assessment of a newborn's health performed one and five minutes after birth.
The test evaluates five criteria—heart rate, breathing, muscle tone, reflexes, and skin color—each scored 0 to 2, for a maximum of 10.
Scores of 7 or above indicate good condition; lower scores may prompt medical intervention.
Named for anesthesiologist Virginia Apgar, who developed the system in 1952.
Cardiac contractions per minute
- respirationGas exchange in organisms
- muscle toneResidual tension in fibers
- colorVisual hue property
- clinical evaluationSystematic diagnostic examination process
baseline · oxygenation · appearance · pulse · grimace · activity · medical evaluation
Coming into the world
- laborStrenuous effort; also childbirth
- delivery roomHospital room for childbirth
- midwifeChildbirth assistance professional
- obstetricianChildbirth physician
neonatologist · cesarean · vaginal delivery · birthing center · maternity ward · umbilical cord · placenta · amniotic fluid
Active physical strength
- responsivenessReadiness to react
- alertnessActive mental awareness
- livelinessAnimated, energetic quality
- oxygenationAdding breathable gas
heart rate
Cardiac contractions per minute
- respirationGas exchange in organisms
- muscle toneResidual tension in fibers
- colorVisual hue property
clinical evaluation · baseline · oxygenation · appearance · pulse · grimace · activity · medical evaluation
birth
Coming into the world
- laborStrenuous effort; also childbirth
- delivery roomHospital room for childbirth
- midwifeChildbirth assistance professional
obstetrician · neonatologist · cesarean · vaginal delivery · birthing center · maternity ward · umbilical cord · placenta · amniotic fluid · fetal monitor
vigor
Active physical strength
- responsivenessReadiness to react
- alertnessActive mental awareness
- livelinessAnimated, energetic quality
Apgar scoreprenatal screening
Medical tests before birth
fetal ultrasound · amniocentesis · autopsy report · death certificate
Apgar scorediagnosis
Identification of illness
differential diagnosis · pathology report · genetic testing · autopsy · laboratory analysis