 |
 |
 |
|
||
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
Labor & deliveryAPGAR scoreDesigned by Dr. Virginia Apgar, the APGAR score is used to determine the basic well being of the newborn at one minute and five minutes after birth. It measures five areas and scores them from 0-2 for a possible high score of 10.The letters of APGAR are used as an abbreviation to remember the five areas: Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration.
Pulse is scored similarly. A pulse over 100 beats per minute gets the highest score of two points here, as well. Grimace is a measure of reflexes when stimulated by a catheter (or tube) placed in the nostril. A facial grimace gets one point, while a cough or sneeze gets two points. Activity is a measure of muscle tone. If there is some extension of the arms of legs, it earns one point, while an active moving baby gets two points Respiratory effort is measured according to how fast and regular your baby is breathing. This is where crying scores well – getting two points for active and regular respiration. Overall, an APGAR score of 7-10 indicates a very healthy baby. If the score is lower, interventions such as giving oxygen or medication may be used to help the baby along.
|
Appearance looks at the color of the infant. The most desirable color is completely pink from head to toe, which scores two points for appearance.
|
 Clinicians | Practices | All About Pregnancy | All About MidLife | Health & Wellness | Home  ©2001-2002 Women's Health USA, Inc. |