Apgar ScoresApgar scores are measurements and observations made by a health professional at 1 and 5 minutes after birth to assess a newborn's health. The health professional checks 5 areas and gives the newborn a score ranging from 0 to 2 in each of the 5 areas. With 2 being the highest number a baby can get in each area, when the scores are added up, the maximum score is 10. A total score of 7 to 10 is normal. The 5 areas checked include the newborn's: - Heart rate.
- Skin color.
- Muscle tone (judged by whether the newborn's arms and legs are flexed or limp).
- Breathing.
- Reflex irritability (judged by whether the newborn cries or reacts when the skin is stroked or touched).
Current as of:
May 12, 2017 Author:
Healthwise Staff Medical Review:
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & John Pope, MD, MPH - Pediatrics |
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