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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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