At what intervals is the APGAR score assessed after birth?

The APGAR score is a critical tool used to evaluate the health of newborns immediately after birth. It is typically assessed at specific intervals to determine how well the baby is adjusting to the extra-uterine environment. The standard practice is to perform the first assessment at 1 minute after birth, which helps to indicate how well the baby tolerated the birthing process, and then again at 5 minutes.

This 1-minute score primarily assesses the immediate response to birth, including factors such as heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex response, and color. The 5-minute score serves as a follow-up to see if the baby’s condition is improving or if there are emerging concerns that need to be addressed.

It is worth noting that while the assessment can continue past 5 minutes if necessary, the widely accepted practice is to perform the first two scores at the 1 and 5-minute marks. This approach allows healthcare providers to make timely decisions regarding the newborn's care based on a standardized assessment of their physical condition.