Pregnancy tips APGAR scores for newborns

There are so many tests your infant will undergo after delivery that it can be hard for a new mom to keep up. For starters, the first test is called the APGAR. Here is an article that explains this assessment:

Your Child's First Test: The APGAR (www.pregnancy.org)

From the above article, here are the breakdown of the scores:



Heart rate:
0 - No heart rate
1 - Fewer than 100 beats per minute - the baby is not very responsive
2 - More than 100 beats per minute - the baby is obviously vigorous

Respiration:
0 - Not breathing
1 - Weak cry; may sound like whimpering or grunting
2 - Good, strong cry

Muscle tone:
0 - Limp
1 - Some flexing (bending) of arms and legs
2 - Active motion

Reflex response:
0 - No response to airways being suctioned
1 - Grimace during suctioning
2 - Grimace and cough or sneeze during suctioning

Color:
0 - The baby's whole body is completely blue or pale
1 - Good color in body with blue hands or feet
2 - Completely pink or good color