What is APGAR SCORE
APGAR scoring system is used by doctors and nurses to assess newborn babies right after birth to see if extra medical care or emergency care is needed. This system was developed by Dr. Virgina Apgar in 1952, and has been adopted by medical professionals across the globe. APGAR test is usually given at one minute and five minutes of birth; however, the test may be given again if there are concerns about the baby’s condition.
What conditions does the APGAR test assess?
The APGAR test measures the baby’s wellbeing across five dimensions and scores the baby on a scale of 0 – 2, with 2 being the best score:
- A: Activity (muscle tone)
- P: Pulse (heart rate)
- G: Grimace (response reflexes)
- A: Appearance (skin color)
- R: Respiration (breathing rate and effort)
What is a good APGAR score?
APGAR scores range from 0 – 10. In general, a cumulative score of 7-10 is reassuring. A score of 4-6 is moderately abnormal, and a score of 0-3 is concerning. At five-minute APGAR, a baby with a score below 7, will continue to be monitored and retested every five minutes for up to twenty minutes.
It is important to reiterate that APGAR score was not designed to predict a baby’s long-term health, but to assist health care providers in assessing a baby’s overall physical condition immediately after birth—so they can decide quickly if/what extra medical care is needed. It should also be noted that a slightly low score—particularly at 1 minute APGAR, is common in babies born after a high-risk pregnancy, through C-section, or born prematurely.
APGAR Medical Negligence Cases
Several babies who started out with a low APGAR score do well after adjusting to life outside the womb—however babies with low APGAR scores should be monitored and receive appropriate interventions. If you suspect that your baby did not receive appropriate medical intervention following a low APGAR score, contact an experienced medical malpractice attorney or law firm to evaluate your case.
At Anunobi Law PLLC, we have experienced medical negligence lawyers and a board certified ob-gyn physician, available to review and evaluate your birth injury and catastrophic medical malpractice case.
If you believe that you or a loved one has suffered catastrophic injury (or death) as a result of the negligence of a doctor or a hospital, contact us immediately to evaluate your case and determine how we can help you get justice.
Contact Anunobi Law PLLC at 832-538-0833 or complete the contact form.