This poor cyst got an Apgar score of zero! The doctor says, “Start CPR!” What does the Apgar score really mean? Immediately after birth your baby is given a “grade.” This score was devised by Dr. Virginia Apgar in 1952 and is a quick appraisal of the initial health of your baby. This score, determined first at one minute and then five minutes after birth, assesses your newborn’s heart rate, breathing effort, skin color, muscle tone and activity, and response to stimulation.
Appearance: Color–0 for blue, 2 for pink
Pulse: Heart rate–0 for none, 1 for <100/min, 2 for > 100/min
Grimace: Reflex–0 for none, 1 for grimace, 2 for cough/sneeze
Activity: Muscle tone–0 for limp, 2 for full flexion
Respiratory effort: 0 for absent, 2 for strong crying
The test for evaluating a neonate’s post-partum status and potential for survival, is based on an acronym of Virginia Apgar’s name; the higher the score, the better the infant will fare during the neonatal period. The system rapidly identifies infants requiring immediate intervention or transfer to a neonatal intensive care unit. This cyst never had a chance!