Prenatal

Baby's first test

Just seconds old and your baby is already getting tested. The nurse just administered an APGAR test on little dfas. She doesn't actually answer any multiple-choice questions for this test, though—the nurse just takes a good look at her color, reflexes, muscle strength, pulse, and breathing function. Most healthy babies score between a 7 and a 10 on the test—and babies who score a 6 or below may need medical intervention. The test is designed to quickly assess which babies need immediate attention—it is typically performed at one minute and at 5 minutes after birth—and for babies who are having trouble, it may be repeated after another 5 minutes.

All is well! dfas’s APGAR score was 8 at birth—which is really perfect since almost no babies score a perfect 10. And by 5 minutes, she scored 10. Congratulations!

APGAR RESULTS
Sign
0
1
2
1 Min
5 MIN
Heart Rate
Absent
Less than 100
Over 100
1
2
Heart Rate
Absent
Less than 100
Over 100
1
2
Heart Rate
Absent
Less than 100
Over 100
1
2
Heart Rate
Absent
Less than 100
Over 100
1
2
Heart Rate
Absent
Less than 100
Over 100
1
2
*In babies with naturally dark skin tones, the skin of the mouth, the palms and soles of the feet are checked for pinkness.