Cara Menghitung Apgar Score

>Hello Sohib EditorOnline, in this article we will discuss about cara menghitung apgar score, which is a system to evaluate newborn infants’ physical condition at birth. This system was introduced by an American anesthesiologist named Virginia Apgar in 1952. Apgar score is an important aspect of neonatal care that can help determine if a baby needs immediate medical care or not. Let’s dive into this topic further

What is Apgar Score?

Apgar score is a quick and simple way to evaluate the physical condition of newborn infants. It is usually done at 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth. The score is based on five factors:

The scores are then added up, resulting in a total score between 0 and 10. Apgar score helps determine if a baby needs immediate medical attention or not. A score of 7 or more is considered normal, while a score of 3 or less requires immediate medical attention.

Why is Apgar Score Important?

Apgar score is important because it helps medical professionals determine the baby’s physical condition at birth in a standardized way. It can help identify infants who may need medical attention, such as oxygen therapy or resuscitation. Additionally, it can also help identify infants who are at a higher risk of long-term health problems.

How to Calculate Apgar Score

Here are the steps to calculate Apgar score:

1. Observe the baby’s appearance and assign a score of 0, 1 or 2 based on the criteria outlined in the table above.
2. Observe the baby’s pulse and assign a score of 0, 1 or 2 based on the criteria outlined in the table above.
3. Observe the baby’s grimace and assign a score of 0, 1 or 2 based on the criteria outlined in the table above.
4. Observe the baby’s activity and assign a score of 0, 1 or 2 based on the criteria outlined in the table above.
5. Observe the baby’s respiration and assign a score of 0, 1 or 2 based on the criteria outlined in the table above.
6. Add the scores from steps 1-5 to get the total Apgar score.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does a low Apgar score mean my baby will have long-term health problems?

Not necessarily. Apgar score only measures the baby’s physical condition at birth and is not a predictor of long-term health problems. However, there may be other factors that can affect the baby’s long-term health, and it is important to follow up with your doctor regularly.

2. Can Apgar score be done later than 5 minutes after birth?

Yes, Apgar score can be done later than 5 minutes after birth in certain situations, such as if the baby has a respiratory problem.

3. Is Apgar score the only way to evaluate a newborn’s physical condition?

No, Apgar score is not the only way to evaluate a newborn’s physical condition. Other assessments may include measurements of the baby’s weight, length, head circumference, and vital signs.

4. What happens if my baby’s Apgar score is low?

If your baby’s Apgar score is low, your doctor may need to provide medical interventions, such as oxygen therapy or resuscitation. It is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations and attend all follow-up appointments.

5. Can Apgar score be used to evaluate preterm infants?

Yes, Apgar score can be used to evaluate preterm infants, but it may not be as reliable as in full-term infants. Preterm infants may have lower scores due to their immaturity, but this does not necessarily mean that they will have long-term health problems.

The Bottom Line

Cara menghitung apgar score is a simple and quick way to evaluate newborn infants’ physical condition at birth. It can help medical professionals determine if a baby needs immediate medical attention or not. While Apgar score is an important aspect of neonatal care, it is not a predictor of long-term health problems. It is still crucial to follow your doctor’s recommendations and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure your newborn’s optimal health.

Cara Menghitung Apgar Score