Syracuse Medical Malpractice Lawyers Bottar Law, PLLC HomeLow APGAR Score
An APGAR score is the numerical product of a scale developed in 1952 to assess a baby's presentation at birth in five different categories, each scored from 0 to 2 for a total APGAR range of 0 to 10. Typically, a medical provider's APGAR assessment should occur at 1 and 5 minutes of life. Sometimes, an assessment will also be taken at 10 and 30 minutes of life. The five APGAR categories are: complexion, pulse rate, reflex irritability, respiration and muscle tone.
For complexion, a medical provider will assess a baby's skin color. A blue baby should receive a score of 0, a baby with blue extremities should receive a score of 1, and a pink baby should receive a score of 2. For pulse rate, a medical provider will assess a baby's pulse. A baby with a pulse below 60 should receive a score of 0, a baby with a pulse between 60 and 100 should receive a score of 1, and a baby with a pulse above 100 should receive a score of 2. For reflex irritability, a medical provider will assess a baby's response to stimulation. A baby that does not respond to stimulation should receive a score of 0, a baby that grimaces with stimulation should receive a score of 1, and a baby that cries with stimulation should receive a score of 2. For respiration, a medical provider will assess whether a baby is breathing. A baby that is not breathing should receive a score of 0. A baby that is struggling to breathe should receive a score of 1. A baby experiencing no difficulty breathing should receive a score of 2. For muscle tone, a medical provider will assess a baby's extremities move (if at all). A baby with no muscle tone (i.e., a floppy baby) should receive a score of 0. A baby with some flexion should receive a score of 1. A baby with flexion and resisted extension should receive a score of 2.
At Bottar Law, PLLC, our team of Syracuse New York birth injury attorneys frequently respond to the following questions about APGAR scores, especially after a parent learns that their child has cerebral palsy and suspects that it may be due to medical negligence:
To discuss your case or concerns with an experienced New York medical malpractice and birth injury attorney, contact us now at (315) 422-3466, (800) 336-LAWS, or by e-mail at info@bottarleone.com.
For complexion, a medical provider will assess a baby's skin color. A blue baby should receive a score of 0, a baby with blue extremities should receive a score of 1, and a pink baby should receive a score of 2. For pulse rate, a medical provider will assess a baby's pulse. A baby with a pulse below 60 should receive a score of 0, a baby with a pulse between 60 and 100 should receive a score of 1, and a baby with a pulse above 100 should receive a score of 2. For reflex irritability, a medical provider will assess a baby's response to stimulation. A baby that does not respond to stimulation should receive a score of 0, a baby that grimaces with stimulation should receive a score of 1, and a baby that cries with stimulation should receive a score of 2. For respiration, a medical provider will assess whether a baby is breathing. A baby that is not breathing should receive a score of 0. A baby that is struggling to breathe should receive a score of 1. A baby experiencing no difficulty breathing should receive a score of 2. For muscle tone, a medical provider will assess a baby's extremities move (if at all). A baby with no muscle tone (i.e., a floppy baby) should receive a score of 0. A baby with some flexion should receive a score of 1. A baby with flexion and resisted extension should receive a score of 2.
At Bottar Law, PLLC, our team of Syracuse New York birth injury attorneys frequently respond to the following questions about APGAR scores, especially after a parent learns that their child has cerebral palsy and suspects that it may be due to medical negligence:
- Why was my baby born with a low APGAR score?
- What does a low APGAR score mean?
- Does a low APGAR score mean that my baby will develop cerebral palsy?
To discuss your case or concerns with an experienced New York medical malpractice and birth injury attorney, contact us now at (315) 422-3466, (800) 336-LAWS, or by e-mail at info@bottarleone.com.
