Does a Low Apgar Score Indicate a Birth Injury?

 Posted on June 05, 2025 in Birth Injury

Many people are aware that an Apgar score is an assessment of a baby’s condition shortly after birth, but they may not understand what this method entails or exactly what an Apgar score means. Created by Dr. Virginia Apgar in 1952, the Apgar assessment is performed at one minute and five minutes after a child is born. Although this test does not diagnose specific issues, it can tell medical providers that a baby needs immediate attention.

Receiving the prompt and correct treatment can reduce the adverse effects of some birth injuries. If your doctor or midwife ignored low Apgar scores and your baby suffered harm, our dedicated Cook County, IL birth injuries lawyers can help you hold the negligent party accountable.

What Are Apgar Scores?

Midwives, nurses, and doctors evaluate five functions using the Apgar test, with each function receiving a score of zero, one, or two. Appearance refers to skin color, which can range from pale blue to healthy pink. Pulse is the number of heartbeats per minute. Grimace is a response to a stimulus. Activity refers to muscle movement, and respiration assesses breathing and crying.

For most babies, the five-minute Apgar score is higher than the one-minute result. A score of 0-3 indicates severe problems and is considered low. A midrange score of 4-6 is moderately abnormal, with a healthy score being 7-10. If the second score is below seven, a ten-minute assessment is usually performed.

Low or high Apgar scores do not indicate the presence or absence of a birth injury. However, low scores mean that the medical professional should immediately investigate to determine what is causing the problems. Infants with birth injuries are more likely to have lower Apgar scores.

What Kinds of Conditions Can a Low Apgar Score Indicate?

A five-minute Apgar score of seven or less could indicate that the newborn did not receive enough oxygen during labor and delivery. Breathing difficulties might mean that fluid is present in the infant’s airways. Low scores may mean the child’s brain is damaged. Cerebral palsy, nerve damage, internal bleeding, organ damage, and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy are also possible causes of low scores.

Doctors should immediately begin specific diagnostic tests and treatment, depending on the issues noted in Apgar testing. For example, breathing issues can be treated with oxygen therapy. Testing should show the cause of the difficulty.

When Could a Low Apgar Score Indicate Medical Negligence?

Medical professionals are expected to provide high-quality treatment to their patients. Medical negligence is failing to provide a high standard of care that results in avoidable harm. Medical negligence that could be associated with low Apgar scores includes:

• Inadequate maternal and fetal monitoring
• Delaying or not performing a C-section
• Medication errors
• Undiagnosed or improperly treated maternal infections, preeclampsia, or gestational diabetes
• Improper Apgar test procedures or inaccurate results
• Inadequate newborn care immediately after birth

A low Apgar score is not conclusive evidence of a birth injury. However, it can help to support your birth injury claim. We will perform a thorough investigation, gathering all available evidence to build your case.

Speak to Our Experienced Chicago, IL Birth Injuries Lawyers

If your baby was harmed through medical negligence, Birth Injury Law Alliance, Ltd. can help you secure the compensation you deserve. Arrange for your free consultation with one of our knowledgeable Cook County, IL cerebral palsy attorneys today by contacting us online or calling 312-462-4200.