What does the Apgar test measure and what is a normal score?
The Apgar test measures your baby’s heart rate, breathing, muscle tone, reflex response and color in the first minutes of life. An Apgar score is 7 to 10 means a newborn is in good to excellent health, usually only requiring routine post-delivery care.
What are the 5 ratings at the Apgar scale?
The Apgar score comprises five components: 1) color, 2) heart rate, 3) reflexes, 4) muscle tone, and 5) respiration, each of which is given a score of 0, 1, or 2.
What is the average Apgar score for a newborn?
What is a normal Apgar score? A score of 7 to 10 is considered normal for both the one-minute and five-minute Apgar tests. A score in this range usually means that your baby’s in good shape and doesn’t need more than routine post-delivery care.
What does Apgar score of 4 mean?
What’s considered a normal Apgar score? A score of 7 to 10 after five minutes is “reassuring.” A score of 4 to 6 is “moderately abnormal.” A score of 0 to 3 is concerning. It indicates a need for increased intervention, usually in assistance for breathing.
What does a low Apgar score mean?
Low Apgar scores may indicate the baby needs special care, such as extra help with their breathing. Usually after birth, a nurse or doctor may announce the Apgar scores to the labor room. This lets all present medical personnel know how a baby is doing, even if some of the medical personnel are tending to the mom.
What does an Apgar score of 8 mean?
The Apgar score is based on a total score of 1 to 10. The higher the score, the better the baby is doing after birth. A score of 7, 8, or 9 is normal and is a sign that the newborn is in good health.
What does an Apgar score of 5 mean?
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. In this case, the hospital nursing staff probably will dry her vigorously with a towel while oxygen is held under her nose.