Apgar scores
Apgar scores are clinical indicators that describe a baby’s condition shortly after birth. These scores are measured on a 10-point scale based on several criteria (AIHW 2020b). An Apgar score of 7 or more at 5 minutes after birth indicates that the baby is adapting well post-birth.
In 2018, the majority of Indigenous babies (97% or 16,543) had an Apgar score of 7–10 at 5 minutes after birth (Figure MB 10).