Problems with her heart or respiratory system. These scores may reflect difficulties the baby experienced during labor or For example, babies bornĬ-section are more likely to have low scores than infants with normal births. A small percentage of newborns have Apgar scores of less than 5.This should start her breathing deeply and improve her oxygen supply so that her five-minute Apgar scores total between 8 and 10. In this case, the hospital nursing staff probably will dry her vigorously with a towel while oxygen is held under her nose. If your baby's Apgar scores are between 5 and 7 at one minute, she may have experienced some problems during birth that lowered the oxygen in her blood.Because their hands and feet remain blue until they are quite warm, few score a perfect 10. Most newborn infants have Apgar scores greater than 7. For example, let's say your baby has a heart rate of more than 100,Ĭoughs in response to the syringe, but is blue her one minute Apgar score would be 8-two points off because she is blue and not pink. How is the Apgar Test Scored?Įach characteristic is given an individual score two points for each of the five categories if all is completely well then all scores are totaled. But it does alert the hospital staff if she is sleepier or slower to respond than normal and may need assistance as she adapts to her new world outside the womb. It cannot predict how healthy she will be as she grows up or how she will develop nor does it indicate how bright she is or what her personality is like. (named after its creator, Virginia Apgar) helps the physician estimate your baby's general condition at birth. When each of these time periods is up, a nurse or physician will give your baby her first 'tests,' called If you would like more information about the Apgar score, you can call Pregnancy Birth and Baby on 1800 882 436.Born, a delivery nurse will set one timer for one minute and another for five minutes. If you have any concerns, speak with your doctor, midwife or nurse. The Apgar score is just one piece of information doctors, midwives and nurses use to assess your baby shortly after birth.

If your baby has a low Apgar score, the medical team will decide if your baby needs extra medical help such as assistance to breath. What if my baby scores low on the Apgar test? If your baby's score was low in the first Apgar test and hasn't improved in the second test at 5 minutes, the doctors, midwives and nurses will continue to closely monitor your baby and provide the necessary medical care. However, a score below 7 at 5 minutes is considered low. What do the Apgar scores mean?Īn Apgar score of 7 or more, 5 minutes after birth, shows that your baby is adapting well after birth. The scores for each feature are added up to give a total Apgar score out of 10. What does the Apgar score measure?Įach feature is scored from 0 to 2, with 2 being the best score. The test is named after Dr Virginia Apgar who developed the score in 1952. The Apgar score is used to check a newborn baby at 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth. It helps medical staff decide if your baby needs emergency care. The Apgar score is a test used by doctors, midwives and nurses to assess your baby’s health at birth. Related information on Australian websites.What if my baby scores low on the Apgar test?.

Apgar score of 6