Medical References
Diseases & Conditions
Women's Health
Mental Health
Men's Health
Medical Web Links
MOL Site Map
Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
Read more health news
APGAR
Results and Values
What do the test results mean?
The 1-minute APGAR score tells how well the newborn did during labor and the birth process, for either vaginal or cesarean birth. The 5-minute APGAR score tells how well the newborn adapts to the environment outside the mother's womb. A score of 8 to 10 is ideal, indicating a healthy, vigorous infant. A score of 10 is very rare as most babies' color is a bit blue right after birth, because of the stress of the birth. Any score less than 7 at the 5-minute check indicates that the newborn may need some help in adjusting to the environment. This may include:
These infants tend to have lower APGAR scores and possible problems: