The condition of a newborn is considered normal if the Apgar score is?

• APGAR SCORE is an assessment tool used to assess the overall health status of a newborn baby after birth and after 5 minutes of birth.
• A low Apgar score determines any significant problem with the baby which needs immediate attention and action.
  • A total of 7 to 10 score is the reassuring score.
  • Total 4 to 6 score is moderately abnormal.
  • Total 0 to 3 score is concerning.

1. The Apgar score consists of 5 features and each feature is assessed by the pediatrician and they need to give a score from 0 to 2.

The 5 features of the Apgar score are: -

1. ACTIVITY/MUSCLE TONE

0 score: - floppy tone

1 score: - arm and legs flexed with little movement

2 score: - active/spontaneous movement

2. PULSE/HEART RATE

0 score: - absent (no pulse)

1 score: - less than 100 beats per minute

2 score: - greater than 100 beats per minute

3. GRIMACE (RESPONSE TO STIMULATION)

0 score: - absent

1 score: - facial movement with stimulation

2 score: - prompt response to stimulation

4. APPEARANCE (colour of the skin)

0 score: - blue, bluish-grey, or pale all over

1 score: - body pink but extremities blue

2 score: - pink all over

5. RESPIRATION/ BREATHING

0 score: - absent

1 score: - irregular, weak crying

2 score: -good, strong cry