Apgar score at various gestational ages

Abstract

Introduction: The Apgar score is an accepted method for reporting the condition of a newborn. The present study was performed to evaluate the Apgar score at different gestational ages. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was performed on 1161 newborns with a gestational age of 25–40 weeks born in the maternity ward of Ghaem Hospital in Mashhad during 2014–2021 with available sampling. The data collection was performed with the researcher-made checklist, including neonatal characteristics. The neonatal Apgar scores of the 1st and 5th min and the cord pH after birth were registered in gestational ages categorized to 25–28.6, 29–32.6, 33–36.6, and 37–40 weeks. Results: The mean 1st and 5th min Apgar scores after birth were as below: At the gestational age of <29 weeks, 6 and 7.3, at 29–33 weeks, 6.60 and 8.2, at 33–37 weeks, 7.5 and 8.7, and at more than 37 weeks, 8.2 and 9.6. There was a moderate correlation between gestational age at birth and 1st and 5th min Apgar score. Conclusion: Apgar score components improve in higher gestational ages; therefore, a lower Apgar score is acceptable at lower gestational ages. The results of the present study show the real Apgar score for different gestational ages. This can be a criterion for evaluating the Apgar score of the baby at any gestational age.