The Apgar score is a quick and standardised method to assess the clinical condition of a newborn immediately after birth. It helps determine whether the baby needs immediate medical attention.
NICE recommends assessing the Apgar score at 1 and 5 minutes after birth. If the score is less than 7 at 5 minutes, the assessment should continue every 5 minutes for up to 20 minutes, or until the baby stabilises.
APGAR is a helpful acronym that stands for:
| Score | Activity (muscle tone) | Pulse | Grimace (reflex irritability) | Appearance (colour) | Respiration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Active movement | > 100 bpm | Cries, sneezes or coughs on stimulation | Pink all over | Strong cry / normal breathing |
| 1 | Some limb flexion | < 100 bpm | Grimace / weak response to stimulation | Body pink, extremities blue | Weak or irregular breathing |
| 0 | Flaccid | Absent | No response | Blue or pale all over | Absent breathing |
Interpretation:
This structured approach using the APGAR acronym makes it easier for healthcare professionals to recall each component of the assessment and respond appropriately in the newborn period.