Apgars

[Little Chicken]

The test is generally done at one and five minutes after birth, and may be repeated later if the score is and remains low. Scores 3 and below are generally regarded as critically low, 4 to 6 fairly low, and 7 to 10 generally normal.
A low score on the one-minute test may show that the neonate requires medical attention[3] but is not necessarily an indication that there will be long-term problems, particularly if there is an improvement by the stage of the five-minute test. If the Apgar score remains below 3 at later times such as 10, 15, or 30 minutes, there is a risk that the child will suffer longer-term neurological damage. There is also a small but significant increase of the risk of cerebral palsy. However, the purpose of the Apgar test is to determine quickly whether a newborn needs immediate medical care; it was not designed to make long-term predictions on a child's health.[1]
A score of 10 is uncommon due to the prevalence of transient cyanosis, and is not substantially different from a score of 9. Transient cyanosis is common, particularly in babies born at high altitude. A study comparing babies born in Peru near sea level with babies born at very high altitude (4340 m) found a significant difference in the first but not the second Apgar score. Oxygen saturation (see Pulse oximetry) also was lower at high altitude.[4]

Just why they are done, I had a table but it wont work here

[Calluna]

9 and 10

[feeb]

Its a score done on newborn babies at 1 and 5 mins of age looking at there colour, heart rate, reflex, muscle tone and breathing. Depending on these results depends if a baby gets 0 1 or 2 for each. When added all together gives a score of 0 to 10. A score of 7 or above is normal, below that baby is needing some form of resusitation.

Hope that helps a bit.

[RhiChiChi]

DD was 9 & 9 - she was screaming her lungs out when born so I knew she was breathing, which was a huge relief for me & DH - that was the main thing we were concerned about!