What is the purpose of the Apgar score?

The Apgar score is specifically designed to evaluate a newborn's health immediately after birth. This scoring system assesses five criteria: appearance (skin color), pulse (heart rate), grimace response (reflexes), activity (muscle tone), and respiration (breathing effort). Each criterion is scored from 0 to 2, with a total score ranging from 0 to 10. The purpose of the score is to quickly gauge the physical condition of the baby and determine if any immediate medical interventions are needed. This assessment typically occurs at one minute and again at five minutes after birth, helping healthcare providers to promptly identify newborns who may require additional care or monitoring.

The other options do not align with the primary function of the Apgar score. It does not assess maternal health, track fetal development, or evaluate the risk of premature birth. Instead, it focuses solely on the newborn's condition at birth, making it a vital tool in neonatal care.