Newborn baby floating in a dreamlike space, Apgar score orbs

Apgar Score and Delivery Method: What New Parents Need to Know

Kai Mendoza in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Unveiling the Truth: How Delivery Mode Impacts Your Newborn's Apgar Score"

Becoming a parent is filled with countless questions, and ensuring your newborn's well-being is always top of mind. One of the first assessments your baby will undergo is the Apgar score, a quick evaluation of their overall health right after birth. This score can sometimes be a source of anxiety, especially when considering different delivery methods. Many wonder if a Cesarean section (C-section) might impact their baby's Apgar score compared to a vaginal delivery.

The Apgar score, developed in 1952 by Dr. Virginia Apgar, is a standardized way to assess a newborn's condition at one minute and five minutes after birth. It evaluates five key areas: Appearance (skin color), Pulse (heart rate), Grimace (reflex irritability), Activity (muscle tone), and Respiration (breathing effort). Each area is scored from 0 to 2, resulting in a total score between 0 and 10. A higher score generally indicates that the baby is doing well.

While the Apgar score provides valuable information, it's important to remember that it's just one snapshot in time. It's not a predictor of long-term health or development. Let's explore the findings of a research study that investigated the relationship between Apgar scores and the mode of delivery.

Decoding the Research: Apgar Scores in Vaginal and Cesarean Births

Newborn baby floating in a dreamlike space, Apgar score orbs

A recent study aimed to determine whether there's a significant difference in Apgar scores between newborns delivered via elective C-section (ECS) and those born through normal vaginal delivery (NVD). The study compared 100 ECS cases with 199 uncomplicated NVDs. All newborns included were full-term, singleton babies from first or second pregnancies. The researchers carefully analyzed the Apgar scores at the 5-minute mark to compare the two groups.

The results of the study revealed some interesting insights. The average fifth-minute Apgar score was 8.63±0.79 in the NVD group and 8.79±0.94 in the ECS group. While the ECS group had a slightly higher average score, the difference wasn't statistically significant. This means that, based on this study, there isn't strong evidence to suggest that elective C-sections negatively impact Apgar scores.

Here's a summary of the key findings:

No significant difference in average Apgar scores between ECS and NVD groups.
76.5% of NVD neonates had Apgar scores of 9 or 10.
59% of ECS neonates had Apgar scores of 9 or 10.
Elective C-section increased the risk of Apgar scores falling in the 7-8 range compared to 9-10.

Despite the lack of significant difference in average scores, the study also found that a higher percentage of vaginally delivered newborns achieved Apgar scores of 9 or 10 compared to those delivered via C-section. Specifically, 76.5% of NVD babies had scores of 9 or 10, while only 59% of ECS babies reached the same range. Logistic regression analysis indicated that elective C-section increased the risk of Apgar scores falling in the 7-8 range compared to 9-10.

Making Informed Decisions About Delivery

While this study provides valuable insights, it's crucial to remember that every pregnancy and delivery is unique. The Apgar score is just one factor to consider when assessing your newborn's health. Discuss your delivery options with your healthcare provider, considering your individual circumstances and any potential risks or benefits. Open communication and informed decision-making will help you feel confident and prepared for your baby's arrival.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

What is the Apgar score and what does it measure?

The Apgar score, created by Dr. Virginia Apgar in 1952, is a quick assessment performed at one and five minutes after birth. It evaluates five criteria: Appearance (skin color), Pulse (heart rate), Grimace (reflex irritability), Activity (muscle tone), and Respiration (breathing effort). Each is scored from 0 to 2, totaling a score between 0 and 10.

Does research suggest that Apgar scores differ significantly between newborns delivered via C-section versus vaginal birth?

A recent study compared Apgar scores of newborns delivered via elective C-section (ECS) and normal vaginal delivery (NVD). The study revealed that while the ECS group had a slightly higher average Apgar score, the difference wasn't statistically significant. However, a higher percentage of vaginally delivered newborns achieved Apgar scores of 9 or 10.

How does an elective C-section potentially influence the distribution of Apgar scores, specifically concerning the 7-8 range versus the 9-10 range?

The study indicated that elective C-section (ECS) increased the risk of Apgar scores falling in the 7-8 range compared to 9-10. While the average scores may not differ significantly, a lower percentage of ECS babies achieved the higher Apgar scores of 9 or 10 compared to those born via normal vaginal delivery (NVD). This suggests that the mode of delivery can influence the distribution of Apgar scores, even if the average is similar.

How should the Apgar score be interpreted, and what other factors should be considered when assessing a newborn's overall health?

The Apgar score is an initial assessment of a newborn's overall health. While it offers valuable information, it is important to consider it as just one factor and a snapshot in time. It is not a predictor of long-term health or development. Other factors, such as gestational age, birth weight, and any complications during pregnancy or delivery, also play significant roles. Ongoing monitoring and care are essential for ensuring a baby's well-being.

Beyond delivery method, what other areas of research could further enhance our understanding of factors influencing Apgar scores and newborn well-being?

While this research focused on Apgar scores and delivery methods, future studies could explore the impact of various interventions during labor and delivery on Apgar scores, such as the use of pain medication or different types of anesthesia. Additionally, research could investigate the long-term outcomes of newborns with slightly lower Apgar scores, even within the normal range, to determine if there are any subtle differences in their development or health compared to those with higher scores. Further exploration is needed to understand the interplay between Apgar scores, delivery methods, and other factors influencing newborn health.