How soon after birth should the APGAR score be assessed?

The APGAR score should be assessed at 1 and 5 minutes after delivery. This timing is crucial because the APGAR score is a rapid assessment tool used to evaluate the newborn's physical condition and determine if any immediate medical intervention is needed.

At 1 minute, the score helps to determine how well the baby tolerated the birthing process, while the 5-minute score reflects the baby’s overall well-being and response to resuscitative measures if necessary. If there are concerns regarding the newborn's status, additional assessments may be conducted beyond the initial 5-minute score, but the standard practice is to perform the APGAR assessment at these two key intervals for an effective evaluation of the newborn's transition to life outside the womb.