What is the purpose of the Apgar score?

The Apgar score is specifically designed to assess a newborn's physical condition immediately after birth. It evaluates five criteria: appearance (skin color), pulse (heart rate), grimace response (reflexes), activity (muscle tone), and respiration (breathing effort). Each category is scored from 0 to 2, with a total possible score of 10. This scoring system provides essential information about the newborn's overall health and helps determine if immediate medical intervention is necessary.

Focusing on why this score is critical, it allows healthcare providers to quickly assess how well a newborn is adapting to life outside the womb and to identify any potential health issues that may require prompt treatment. This assessment is typically performed at one and five minutes after birth to monitor the newborn's transition and overall well-being.