Introduction
The Apgar score is an assessment of newborn health that has been used for more than 60 years. It was created by Virginia Apgar, an obstetrician and anesthesiologist, in 1952. The Apgar score is a system used to quickly assess the health of newborns after birth, and it remains one of the most widely used and accepted methods for assessing a newborn’s physical condition.
Description
The Apgar score is a numerical rating that is given to a newborn baby at 1 and 5 minutes after birth. It is composed of five criteria: heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and color. Each criterion is assigned a score from 0 to 2, with 0 being the lowest and 2 being the highest. The total score ranges from 0 to 10, with 10 being the highest possible score. A score of 7 or higher is considered normal, while a score of 4 or lower is considered low.
A baby’s Apgar score is determined by a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or nurse. It is important to note that the Apgar score is not a diagnostic tool, but rather is used to assess the overall health of a newborn.
Benefits
The Apgar score is a useful tool for assessing the health of a newborn. It is quick and easy to administer, and can provide an indication of the baby’s overall health. A low score can alert healthcare professionals to the need for further evaluation and treatment. In addition, the Apgar score is a valuable tool for tracking the progress of a baby over time.
Limitations
The Apgar score is not a perfect system and has some limitations. It is subjective, as it relies on the opinion of the healthcare professional who administers the score. In addition, the score can be affected by various factors, such as the time of birth, the baby’s age, and the environment in which the baby was born.
Conclusion
The Apgar score is a widely accepted and reliable method for assessing the health of newborns. It is quick and easy to administer, and can provide an indication of the baby’s overall health. Although it has some limitations, it is still an important tool for evaluating the health of a newborn.
References
Apgar, V. (1953). A proposal for a new method of evaluation of the newborn infant. Current Researches in Anesthesia & Analgesia, 32(4), 260–267.
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2015). Apgar scoring system. Pediatrics, 135(1), e298–e302.
Murray, L. K., & Lopez, M. (2019). Evaluation of the newborn infant. Pediatrics in Review, 40(1), 4–11.