A Brief Biography of Dr Virgina Apgar, creator of the baby APGAR test

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Dr. Virginia Apgar revolutionized obstetrics with the introduction of the Apgar test in 1952, providing a standardized method to assess the health of newborns immediately after birth. This test has become a critical tool in modern hospitals worldwide, ensuring that every newborn is evaluated for potential health issues. The National Library of Medicine emphasizes her impact, stating that every baby born in a hospital is assessed through the lens of her work. The Apgar test has significantly improved neonatal care by allowing for timely medical interventions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of neonatal care practices
  • Familiarity with obstetric procedures
  • Knowledge of medical assessment techniques
  • Awareness of historical advancements in medicine
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the components of the Apgar test and their significance
  • Explore the evolution of neonatal care since the introduction of the Apgar test
  • Learn about other assessment tools used in obstetrics
  • Investigate the impact of Dr. Apgar's work on modern medical practices
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Medical professionals, obstetricians, pediatricians, and anyone interested in the history and advancements in neonatal care will benefit from this discussion.

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https://getpocket.com/explore/item/virginia-apgar-the-woman-whose-name-saves-newborns

How important is Dr. Virginia Apgar to the modern practice of obstetrics? Here is the way the National Library of Medicine’s website puts it: “[E]very baby born in a modern hospital anywhere in the world is looked at first through the eyes of Dr. Virginia Apgar.”

Apgar created a quick and reliable way to determine the health of a newborn baby, an examination that is usually referred to today as a baby’s Apgar test. Before her test, invented in 1952, there was no objective way to determine the health of a newborn, and babies were given little medical attention immediately after birth. Problems often escaped notice until they became critical.
 
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Simple little things can often have big important effects.
 
A cheat sheet helps if you don't use it every day like the L&D nurses do... :smile:

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https://hiehelpcenter.org/apgar-scores/
 
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