What is the purpose of the APGAR score?

The APGAR score is a quick assessment tool used to evaluate the health and vitality of a newborn immediately after birth. This scoring system assesses five criteria: Appearance (skin color), Pulse (heart rate), Grimace response (reflexes), Activity (muscle tone), and Respiration (breathing effort). Each criterion is scored from 0 to 2, with a maximum total score of 10.

This evaluation helps healthcare providers quickly determine if a newborn requires immediate medical intervention. A high APGAR score suggests that the baby is in good health, while a lower score indicates that there may be issues that need to be addressed, such as respiratory distress or poor circulation. The purpose is not to assess renal function, determine gestational age, or identify congenital anomalies, but rather to provide a swift snapshot of the newborn's transition to the external environment and their immediate overall condition.