This test is done to determine whether a newborn needs help breathing or is having heart trouble.
The Apgar score is based on a total score of 1 to 10. The higher the score, the better the baby is doing after birth.
A score of 7, 8, or 9 is normal and is a sign that the newborn is in good health. A score of 10 is very unusual, since almost all newborns lose 1 point for blue hands and feet, which is normal for after birth.
A low score on the one-minute test may show that the neonate requires medical attention but does not necessarily indicate a long-term problem, particularly if the score improves at the five minute test. An Apgar score that remains below 3 at later times such as 10, 15, or 30 minutes may indicate longer term neurological damage.