This test is called the Apgar test, which aims to evaluate a baby’s condition and detect possible problems.
Virginia Apgar devised this scoring system in 1953. It's now standard practice in most hospitals. The test is taken at 1 minute, and again at 5 minutes after the baby’s birth.
What does the test entail?
Sign: (points in brackets)Appearance (colour):
- Pale or blue (0)
- Body pink, extremities blue (1)
- Pink (2)
Pulse (heartbeat):
- Not detectible (0)
- Below 100 (1)
- Over 100 (2)
Grimace (reflex irritability):
- No response to stimulation (0)
- Grimace (1)
- Lusty cry (2)
Activity (muscle tone):
- Flaccid (no or weak activity) (0)
- Some movement of extremities (1)
- A lot of activity (2)
Respiration (breathing):
- None (0)
- Slow, irregular (1)
- Good (crying) (2)
Scoring:
- A score of 7 or more is considered normal.
- Scores below 7 generally show that some bodily processes are not functioning fully, and need to be observed.
- A score of 4 or less requires immediate emergency measures.