APGAR – Physical Condition of Newborn

The APGAR score is a quick assessment tool used to evaluate the physical condition of a newborn immediately after birth. It helps to determine how well the baby tolerated the birth process and how well the baby is doing outside the mother’s womb.

The name “APGAR” is an acronym that stands for the five criteria of the test:

  • Appearance (skin color)
  • Pulse (heart rate)
  • Grimace response (reflexes)
  • Activity (muscle tone)
  • Respiration (breathing rate and effort)

Each of the five parameters is scored on a scale of 0 to 2, so the total APGAR score can range from 0 to 10.

The APGAR score is usually determined twice:

  • 1 minute after birth and 5 minutes after birth.
  • 7-10 is generally regarded as normal,
  • 4-6 suggests the baby may require some medical attention, and
  • 0-3 indicates that the baby requires immediate medical attention.
  1. Appearance:
    • 0: Blue or pale all over
    • 1: Blue extremities (hands and feet), body pink
    • 2: Entire body pink
  2. Pulse:
    • 0: Absent
    • 1: Below 100 beats per minute
    • 2: Over 100 beats per minute
  3. Grimace Response:
    • 0: No response to stimulation
    • 1: Grimace/weak cry upon stimulation
    • 2: Active/cough/sneeze/cry upon stimulation
  4. Activity:
    • 0: No movement, limp
    • 1: Some flexing of extremities
    • 2: Active, good movement
  5. Respiration:
    • 0: Absent
    • 1: Weak, irregular, or slow
    • 2: Good, strong cry; normal rate and effort