After you give birth to a baby, the time is filled with rich emotions and crucial examinations by medical professionals. The medical team checks one of the most important parameters, which is the APGAR score.
APGAR full form is Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration, which is a score given to the baby based on its present conditions. Additionally, it also provides data about a newborn’s well-being now and the things it might need.
Breaking Down Those Critical First Moments in APGAR
The APGAR score is a quick, standardized assessment given after 1 and 5 minutes of birth. It refers to five key physiological conditions essential for the newborn’s transition to life outside the womb, each graded 0-2, and the total score is from 0 to 10:
Appearance
A completely pink body scores 2 points. A blue and pink color means there is some oxygen deficiency, and in such a case, the score assigned to it is 1. The appearance of pale or blue-gray scores 0, thus presuming that there are problems with oxygen availability.
Pulse (Heart Rate)
In case your baby’s heartbeat is above 100 beats per minute, the assigned score is only 2. Less than 100 scored 1. No detectable pulse scores are 0, which indicates the immediate need to intervene.
Grimace (Reflex Response)
A proper reflex response scores 2. If the baby has a faint grimace or the baby is only showing a weak cry, then the assigned score is 1. No reaction scores 0. If the score is 0, then immediate resuscitation is needed.
Activity
A normal score for any activity is 2. A normal score is provided only when the baby shows normal movement of the limbs. Score 1 denotes there is some flexion of the arms and legs. In case the baby shows no movement or presents limp or floppy muscles, then the score provided is 0.
Respiration
A strong cry with regular breathing scores 2. If your baby shows slow or irregular breathing or weak crying, then the score assigned is 1. No breathing scores 0.
A score of 7-10 at one or five minutes is generally reassuring. A score falling between 4-6 indicates that supportive care like oxygen or gentle stimulation may be required. Scores under 4 indicate the immediate need for resuscitation.
Explanation of Low Scores
A low initial APGAR score can understandably cause concern, but one must remember the purpose of the score. The scores are provided to assess babies for immediate support, not prognosis.
Distressed labor, temporary fluid in airways, or delays in the natural adjustment of newborns could also bring a low score at the one-minute mark. Most medical teams respond very quickly with interventions that may include clearing airways, supplying oxygen and gentle stimulation.
However, the five-minute score might show some improvement, reflective of a positive response from the baby aftercare.
Ayurvedic Nurturing for A Healthy Baby
Once the immediate medical needs have been fulfilled, soothing Ayurvedic practices can be used as comforting therapy. Let us discuss some of the procedures approved by Ayurveda for taking care of the body:
Abhyanga is a gentle massage with warm sesame or coconut oil, which is good for strengthening the muscles and joints. Additionally, this also improves circulation, calms the nervous system, helps in digestion, and promotes bonding (mother-child).
Ayurveda points out an intricate and very close interdependence of maternal health and infant well-being, particularly during lactation. A warm, easily digestible, nutrient-rich food (kitchari) supports the recovery of mothers and the quality of milk.
Ayurvedic herbs or tonics (for example, Shatavari) may be considered to support postnatal vitality and lactation. However, please take recommendations from a doctor before opting for such a treatment regime.
Final Words
APGARs have proved to be indispensable in modern obstetrics, which makes it essential to learn what each letter stands for. This knowledge also demystifies those crucial first minutes regarding the health of the baby and if your child requires some additional medical support.
In Ayurveda, the health of the baby is said to be improved if the mother takes care of herself. Use of Ayurvedic tonics and other treatments can improve your baby’s health. If you are expecting a baby, contact Ask Ayurveda to get a personalized treatment regimen.