The APGAR Test

The APGAR test is an early assessment of the state of your baby’s health and ability to adapt to life outside the womb. The APGAR is based on these five signs:

1.    Appearance (colour)
2.    Heart rate
3.    Breathing
4.    Muscle tone (activity)
5.    Reflex irritability (response to stimulation)

Each of these signs will be assigned a score of 0, 1 or 2. The maximum possible score is 10 (or 2 points for each of the five signs). The score indicates your newborn’s adjustment to the world, and whether there is a need for the medical team to intervene to help your baby along.

Score    Outcome
7-10      No difficulty in your newborn’s adjustment
4-6        Moderate difficulty
0-3        Severe distress

The APGAR test is given at 1 minute after birth, and again at 5 minutes after birth. Because the test must be performed immediately following birth, it’s often performed while the baby is resting on Mom’s chest. That way, there is no interruption while Mom and baby bond.