
FAQ About Virginia Apgar

What is the Apgar Score?
The Apgar Score is a test developed by Dr. Virginia Apgar in 1952 to quickly evaluate the physical condition of a newborn baby shortly after birth. It assesses five criteria: heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex response, and skin color. Each criterion is given a score between 0 and 2, and the total score ranges from 0 to 10. This score helps determine whether a newborn needs immediate medical attention.