What is a normal Apgar score?

A score of 7–10 at 1 minute is considered normal. Scores of 4–6 indicate the baby needs some medical assistance. Scores below 4 require immediate resuscitation. Most healthy babies score 7–10. A perfect score of 10 is uncommon at 1 minute as most babies have slightly blue extremities.

Why is Apgar measured at 1 and 5 minutes?

The 1-minute score indicates how well the baby tolerated the birth process. The 5-minute score indicates how well the baby is adapting to life outside the womb. If the 5-minute score is below 7, additional scores may be taken at 10, 15, and 20 minutes.

Does a low Apgar score mean long-term problems?

Not necessarily. Apgar scores are designed for immediate assessment, not for predicting long-term health outcomes. Many babies with initially low scores recover quickly and develop normally. However, persistently low scores may warrant additional monitoring and evaluation.

Online Medical Tools — Apgar Score

Printed on 2/13/2026

For informational purposes only. This is not medical advice.

Apgar Score

The Apgar Score is a quick assessment tool used to evaluate the physical condition of a newborn immediately after birth. Developed by Dr. Virginia Apgar in 1952, it scores five criteria — Appearance (skin color), Pulse (heart rate), Grimace (reflex irritability), Activity (muscle tone), and Respiration (breathing effort) — each on a scale of 0–2, for a total of 0–10. It is typically assessed at 1 and 5 minutes after birth.

Compare with Bishop Score

Formula: Apgar = Appearance(0–2) + Pulse(0–2) + Grimace(0–2) + Activity(0–2) + Respiration(0–2)

Disclaimer: This tool is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with questions about your health.