← Chapter 4
Human Development · Chapter 4

The Apgar Score

Devised by anesthesiologist Dr. Virginia Apgar in 1952, this is the quick check done at 1 and 5 minutes after birth. Five signs are each scored 0, 1, or 2 and added for a total from 0 to 10 — the higher the number, the better the newborn is doing. Score each sign below and watch the baby change.

A newborn at one minute

9/ 10
Reassuring
Adjust the five signs on the right — the newborn and the total update live.
APGAR score  9 / 10Routine newborn care
Try a scenario
Or score each sign yourself