Most parents don’t hear about the APGAR score until right after their baby arrives. A nurse or doctor mentions it —just a number on a chart that’s easy to miss in all the excitement and emotion of delivery. But when that number is low, it can leave families with more questions than answers.
A baby’s low APGAR score can signal a need for immediate medical attention. In some cases, though, it may point to deeper issues, like delays during delivery or missed signs of distress. While not every low score signals negligence, it can sometimes be the first clue that something went wrong. If you’re concerned about how doctors handled your child’s birth, you might want to talk to a medical negligence lawyer. They can help you understand what happened and if you have a reason to take legal action.
What Is an APGAR Score?
Shortly after birth (usually within the first minute, and then again at five minutes) doctors use something called the APGAR score to get a quick snapshot of how well a newborn is doing. It’s a simple test that helps identify whether a baby needs immediate medical attention.
The score is based on five key areas:
- Appearance (skin tone)
- Pulse (heart rate)
- Grimace (reflex response)
- Activity (muscle tone
- Respiration (breathing)
Every category gets a rating from 0 to 2 adding up to a possible 10 points total. Healthy newborns score between 7 and 10, which indicates they’re doing fine outside the womb. Scores under 7 might indicate the baby needs some assistance such as oxygen, suction, or closer monitoring.
The APGAR score isn’t designed to forecast long-term health problems, but low numbers at the five-minute check, can sometimes signal issues during labor or delivery. That’s why, in some cases, the APGAR score might be one of the first clues that something went wrong.
Does a Low APGAR Score Automatically Mean Negligence?
A low APGAR score can be unsettling, but it doesn’t automatically point to negligence. Sometimes, babies face challenges at birth that have no link to how doctors and nurses handled the delivery, like prematurity, infections, or other medical conditions. In these cases, a low score may simply reflect a tough start, not a mistake.
Having said that, a low score can also indicate complications during childbirth. If the medical team failed to address signs of fetal distress, missed the chance for a cesarean section, or didn’t communicate well, the low score might point to a larger problem. The score itself isn’t the only thing that counts, the circumstances matter too. To figure out if the care met expected standards, it’s crucial to understand what happened before the score was given.
When to Talk to a Medical Negligence Lawyer
If your baby was born with a low APGAR score and you’re still left wondering what went wrong during delivery, you’re not alone. It’s completely normal to have questions, especially if your child needed intensive care, was later diagnosed with a medical condition, or seems to be developing differently than expected.
You don’t have to have all the facts to reach out. In fact, one of the first steps a medical negligence lawyer takes is helping you sort through the details. That includes reviewing medical records, consulting experts, and figuring out whether the care you and your baby received met accepted medical standards.
Keep in mind that hospitals and healthcare providers won’t always be upfront if mistakes were made. That’s why it’s important to have someone in your corner who knows what to look for—and how to hold the right people accountable if necessary.
Even if you’re not sure if negligence was involved, it’s worth asking. Most lawyers who handle medical negligence cases give free consultation, including us at Latona Law. This lets you get an honest expert opinion without any money risk. It’s all about making sure you have the facts to protect your family’s future.
Concerned About Your Baby’s APGAR Score? Talk to Latona Law
If your baby had a low APGAR score and you’re left with questions about what happened during delivery, you’re not alone. Sometimes a low score is just part of a difficult birth. In other cases, it may be an early sign that something was missed or mishandled. In these cases, you need answers.
At Latona Law, we zero in on medical malpractice and birth injury cases across Pennsylvania. Our team has years of experience and a thorough understanding of both the medical and legal aspects involved. We take our time to examine the facts—looking over records, talking to medical experts, and standing up for families who need answers and accountability.
If you’re feeling unsure about whether your child’s care was handled properly, we’re here to help you sort through the facts. Reach out to Latona Law for a free consultation. There’s no pressure, no cost upfront, just a conversation about what’s worrying you and how we might be able to help you and your family in the future.