Rating procedure to identify newborns needing life-sustaining medical assistance.
It was developed in 1952 by Virginia Apgar (1909–1974). Five signs, keyed to Apgar's name
Appearance (color), Pulse, Grimace (reflex irritability), Activity (muscle tone), and Respiration
measure adaptation to leaving the uterus. The maximum score is 10. If the total score at one and then five minutes after birth is less than 7, the infant is reevaluated every five minutes for 20 minutes or until two consecutive scores of 7 or more are obtained.