The APGAR score #apgar #goldenhour #neonatal

The APGAR score is a quick assessment tool used to evaluate the health of newborns immediately after birth. It was developed by Dr. Virginia Apgar in 1952 and is named after her. The score evaluates the baby's condition based on five criteria, each scored on a scale of 0 to 2, at one minute and five minutes after birth:

1. Appearance (Skin Color):
- 0: Blue or pale all over
- 1: Body pink, but extremities blue
- 2: Completely pink

2. Pulse (Heart Rate):
- 0: Absent
- 1: Less than 100 beats per minute
- 2: More than 100 beats per minute

3. Grimace Response (Reflex Irritability):
- 0: No response to stimulation (such as tapping the sole of the foot)
- 1: Grimace (weak cry or facial grimace with stimulation)
- 2: Vigorous cry or cough, sneeze, or pulls away

4. Activity (Muscle Tone):
- 0: Limp or floppy
- 1: Some flexion of arms and legs
- 2: Active movement, flexed arms and legs

5. Respiration (Breathing Rate and Effort):
- 0: Not breathing
- 1: Weak cry, irregular breathing
- 2: Strong cry, good breathing

Each of these criteria is assessed and given a score of 0, 1, or 2. The scores from each category are then summed up to give a total score, which ranges from 0 to 10. A higher score indicates a healthier baby with better adaptation to life outside the womb.

The APGAR score helps medical professionals quickly assess a newborn's condition and determine if any immediate medical intervention or further observation is needed. It is usually performed at one minute after birth and then again at five minutes after birth, with additional assessments if necessary.

It's important to note that while the APGAR score provides valuable initial information about a newborn's health, it is not a complete assessment and does not predict long-term health outcomes. It is just one part of the overall evaluation of a newborn's well-being.