The Apgar score is named after a New York anesthesiologist, Dr. Virginia Apgar, who in 1952 described the score as a means to assess the baby's status 1 and 5-minutes after birth. The score evaluates 5 parameters each scored between 0 and 2 for as maximum of 10. At one minute and again five minutes after birth, the nurse or a doctor examines the baby and checks her for five different parameters: The baby’s heart rate is counted, breathing is checked, reflexes are assessed, muscle tone is evaluated and the baby’s color is checked. Often there is an alarm clock above the crib making sure these tests are done exactly on time.

Doctors Not Always in the “Pink” with Newborn Apgar Scores

One measure on the Apgar test is raising concerns. Some doctors are so concerned they're calling for a reassessment of the criteria used for newborn evaluation. ... read more »

What Is the Apgar Score?

The Apgar score is named after a New York anesthesiologist, Dr. Virginia Apgar, who in 1952 described the score as a means to assess the baby's status 1 and 5-minutes after birth. Learn what it means for your baby. ... read more »

Home-Birth Apgar Scores Too Good to Be True?

A newborn baby's Apgar score provides a quick summary of the health of the child a minute after it's born and again at five minutes. Possible scores range from a low of zero to a high of 10. ... read more »

Impact Of Obesity On Fertility And Pregnancy

Obesity increases pregnancy complications. The prevalence of obesity is currently rising in developed countries, making pregravid overweight one of the most common high-risk obstetric situations. ... read more »

Interactive Apgar Score Calculator

The Apgar score is done on every baby at 1 and 5 minutes of life to assess whether the baby needs resuscitation. This interactive Apgar Score Calculator will help you determine your baby's Apgar score. ... read more »

Newborn Evaluation Right After Birth

Most babies are examined right after birth and within about 24 hours after delivery to maked sure that they are born without any major problems. ... read more »

Effects of Electronic Monitoring on Infant Mortality

In an attempt to make a clear connection between reduced risk of infant death and electronic heart rate monitoring prior to birth, researchers gathered nearly two million birth records collected in the 2004 National Birth Cohort. ... read more »

Baby: The First Hours After Birth

You've made it through labor and met your baby for the first time - now what happens? Baby will be taken to the weighing station where mucus and fluid is sucked from the mouth and the initial Apgar score is noted. ... read more »

Where is My Baby? Post Labor Questions

After labor is over and the umbilical cord is cut, your baby is taken to a warmer in the delivery room. The initial Apgar score is given, baby is given a bracelet that matches yours and prints are made for security. ... read more »

Common Orthopedic Problems in Newborns

Orthopedic problems in newborns are common with flat feet, in-toeing and bowlegs being common in the United States, but not all populations exhibit the same newborn orthopedic problems. ... read more »

Mom’s Excess Pounds Put Baby at Risk of Asphyxia at Birth

A recent study of almost 2 million births found a strong link between a mother’s weight at delivery and the health of her newborn. ... read more »

Umbilical Cord Prolapse During Labor and Delivery

Based on a study published in the Journal of Maternal, Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, umbilical cord prolapse requires prompt delivery of the fetus to reduce possible negative outcomes. The research was completed by authors at Tel Aviv University. ... read more »

Sani-Cloth Use May Affect Newborn Screen Results

Researchers and doctors at the Sanford School of Medicine at the University of South Dakota noticed 10 cases of what appeared to be malonic aciduria within seven months at the hospital. ... read more »

Does Synthetic Oxytocin Affect Prefeeding Cues?

Oxytocin is commonly used during labor to speed up the process. There is no current study information on the possible connection between oxytocin use and prefeeding cues. ... read more »

Fetal Heart Rate Not Good Predictor of Fetal Health

According to a research study completed by the Intermountain Medical Center, fetal heart rate may not be the best indicator of fetal health. ... read more »

Infant Outcomes After Maternal Oseltamivir Treatment

During the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, pregnant women in Canada were treated with oseltamivir. Researchers from Ottawa recently published the results of a study into infant outcomes post treatments in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. ... read more »

Buprenorphine and Naloxone for Opiod Dependence in Pregnancy

A report from Recovery Pathways in Michigan reveals no negative side effects to using buprenorphine and naloxone in pregnant patients with opiod dependence. ... read more »

Low APGAR Scores for Infants Born Outside of a Hospital

According to research published in the October 2013 edition of the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, women seeking to give birth outside of the hospital should be warned of increased risk of low APGAR scores and increased risk of seizures. ... read more »

Perinatal Outcomes Associated with Planned Home Births in the US

According to an oral presentation presented at 32nd annual meeting of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, more women are choosing home births today than ever before, but information regarding the safety of home births is non-conclusive. ... read more »