The Apgar score of a newborn is one of the most important and widely used assessments performed immediately after birth to evaluate a baby’s overall health and well-being. Developed in 1952 by Dr. Virginia Apgar, this quick and simple test helps doctors and nurses determine how well a baby has adapted to life outside the womb. The score is calculated at one minute and again at five minutes after delivery, with a possible extension to ten minutes if the newborn requires extra medical support.