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The Apgar score is a test used to measure the vital signs of a baby at birth.
Virginia Apgar, M.D. (1909-1974) introduced the Apgar score in 1952. This test is a screening tool for health care providers to determine what assistance is immediately necessary to help a newborn stabilize. The Apgar score is now used worldwide to quickly assess the health of an infant one minute and five minutes after birth. The 1-minute Apgar score measures how well the newborn tolerated the birthing process. The 5-minute Apgar score assesses how well the newborn is adapting to the environment.
3. Muscle Tone: a. Limp, flaccid = 0. b. Some flexing or bending = 1. c. Active motion = 2. 4. Response to Stimulation (also called Reflex Irritability): a. No response = 0. b. Grimace = 1. c. Vigorous cry or withdrawal = 2. 5. Color: a. Pale or blue = 0. b. Normal color body but blue extremities = 1. c. Normal color = 2.
Results:
A score of seven to 10 is normal and indicates your newborn is in good condition. A score of 10 is very unusual. Almost all newborns lose one point for blue hands and feet. Any score less than seven indicates your baby needs assistance making the transition to life outside the womb. Health-care personnel should take appropriate action, for example, helping the infant breathe. The Apgar score may be repeated at 10 minutes and later to assess the effectiveness of the intervention or treatment.
Appearance (Color) Pulse (Heart Rate) Grimace (Response to Stimulation) Activity (Muscle Tone) Respiration (Respiration)
Reviewed last on: 10/22/2008 Peter J. Chen, MD, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Source: Labor and delivery - Apgar Score http://www.umm.edu/pregnancy/000129.htm#ixzz2TLRjCR1c University of Maryland Medical Center Follow us: @UMMC on Twitter | MedCenter on Facebook