What is the APGAR Score?
The APGAR score is a quick standardized assessment of newborn transition at 1 minute and 5 minutes, sometimes again at 10 minutes if needed. It summarizes five signs: Appearance (color), Pulse (heart rate), Grimace (reflex irritability), Activity (muscle tone), and Respiration.
APGAR complements, but does not replace, resuscitation decisions based on breathing, heart rate, and oxygenation as outlined in Neonatal Resuscitation.
| Sign | 0 points | 1 point | 2 points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Blue/pale | Pink body, blue extremities | Completely pink |
| Pulse | Absent | < 100 bpm | ≥ 100 bpm |
| Grimace | No response | Grimace only | Cough/sneeze/cry/active withdrawal |
| Activity | Limp | Some flexion | Active motion |
| Respiration | Absent | Slow/irregular | Good cry |
Quick APGAR Calculator
Interpretation bands: 7–10 Normal • 4–6 Moderately low • 0–3 Low
How to Act on the Result
- 7–10 (Normal): Routine care; continue observation and thermoregulation. See thermoregulation.
- 4–6 (Moderately low): Support airway/breathing; reassess; consider CPAP or PPV per status.
- 0–3 (Low): Immediate resuscitation measures; follow NRP algorithm (airway, ventilation, heart rate checks).
APGAR is not used to decide initial resuscitation—decisions are based on breathing, heart rate, and tone. For oxygen targets see SpO₂ targets.
Document timing and each component (e.g., “APGAR 1 min = 8 (A2 P2 G1 A1 R2); 5 min = 9”). See documentation tips.
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