The first few minutes after a baby is born are some of the most important. During this time, doctors assess the newborn’s health and decide whether any immediate medical care is needed. One of the most widely used tools in this process is the APGAR score—a quick and straightforward way to evaluate a baby’s condition at birth.
While APGAR scores aren’t meant to predict long-term health, persistently low scores may point to serious complications—and in some cases, they may be an early sign of medical negligence during labor or delivery.
What Is the APGAR Score?
The APGAR score was developed in 1952 by Dr. Virginia Apgar as a simple way to check a newborn’s vital signs and overall health right after birth. The score is given at one minute and five minutes after delivery. If a baby’s condition is still concerning, scores may also be taken at 10 or even 20 minutes.
The score is based on five key factors, each rated on a scale from 0 to 2:
| APGAR Component | Score 0 | Score 1 | Score 2 |
| Appearance (skin color) | Blue or pale all over | Pink body, blue extremities | Completely pink |
| Pulse (heart rate) | No heartbeat | Less than 100 bpm | 100 bpm or more |
| Grimace (reflexes) | No response | Weak grimace | Coughs, sneezes, or pulls away |
| Activity (muscle tone) | Limp | Some movement | Active and moving |
| Respiration (breathing) | Not breathing | Weak or irregular | Strong cry |
How scores are interpreted:
- 7–10: Normal range
- 4–6: May need medical help or monitoring
- 0–3: Critical condition, often requiring immediate intervention
Why APGAR Scores Matter
The APGAR test helps doctors make quick, potentially life-saving decisions. A low score might mean the baby needs:
- Immediate resuscitation or oxygen support
- Transfer to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
- Ongoing monitoring for signs of distress or neurological injury
A single low score isn’t always a cause for alarm. But when scores stay low beyond the five-minute mark, it could indicate serious problems—such as birth asphyxia, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), or other complications that may result in long-term harm.
When a Low APGAR Score Could Point to Medical Negligence
APGAR scores are not designed to diagnose specific conditions, but they can help tell the story of what happened during birth. In cases of birth injury, they may support a medical malpractice claim—especially when paired with other warning signs, like delayed action or poor fetal monitoring.
Examples of potential medical negligence include:
- Failure to monitor signs of fetal distress during labor
- Delay in performing a C-section when needed
- Inadequate resuscitation efforts
- Improper use of labor-inducing medications like Pitocin
To prove medical malpractice, a legal case generally must show:
- The provider had a duty of care
- They failed to meet the standard of care
- That failure caused harm
- The baby suffered measurable injuries or damages as a result
What to Do If You Suspect Malpractice
If your child was born with a low APGAR score and later diagnosed with a serious injury, it’s important to explore your legal options. A skilled birth injury attorney can review your medical records, consult with experts, and help determine if better care could have changed the outcome.
At Latona Law, we focus exclusively on medical malpractice and birth injury cases. If you have questions about your child’s care, we’re here to help you find answers—and take action if negligence played a role.