The APGAR score for newborns is one of the standardized assessment methods for checking a child’s physical condition immediately after birth and consists of the following 5 components.
1. Skin color is used to assess the oxygen exchange in the lungs of the newborn. A score of 2 is given if the skin is pink all over the body, a score of 1 is given if the ends of the hands and feet are cyanotic, and a score of 0 is given if the whole body is cyanotic.
2. Heart rate is used to assess the strength and rhythmicity of the newborn’s heartbeat. A heartbeat that is strong and greater than 100 beats per minute is scored as a 2. A heartbeat that is weak and less than 100 beats per minute is scored as a 1, and a heartbeat that is not heard is scored as a 0.
3. Respiration is used to assess the maturity of the newborn’s center and lungs. Regular respiration is scored as 2, irregular respiration (shallow and irregular or rapid and labored) is scored as 1, and no respiration is scored as 0.
4. Tone and movement are used to assess the central reflexes and muscle strength of the newborn. A score of 2 is given for normal muscle tone, 1 for abnormally high or low muscle tone, and 0 for flaccid muscle tone.
5. Reflexes are used to assess the neonate’s ability to respond to external stimuli. A loud cry in response to plantar or other stimuli is scored as 2, a low sob or frown is scored as 1, and no response is scored.
Neonatal APGAR scores are mostly evaluated on the spot by an OB/GYN at birth.