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How Well Will Your Newborn Do In School?
Monday, August 08, 2011 by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
As if we didn't have enough to worry about as new mamas (and papas). Now, this.
Labor and delivery is stressful enough. Now we need to worry about the first test our little one takes?
Have you heard of the APGAR test?
If you're expecting, chances are you will soon!
This ten-point scale was developed to measure how much medical care a newborn will need just moments after birth. The APGAR test is given at one and five minutes after birth. This scale evaluates an infant's heart rate, breathing, muscle tone, skin color, and reflex irritability (sneezing or coughing in response to the bulb used to drain mucus from the nose), each on a two-point scale. Scores of eight and above are considered to be signs of good health.
Now, research is also saying that this test may predict how well a child may do in school later in life, specifically whether or not a child might have performance trouble in their school years.
This study is rooted in the evidence provided after the comparison of 877,000 children's APGAR scores, school grades, and graduation rates. This comparison led to the conclusion that newborns scoring a seven or below had roughly double the chance of needing support later in life due to cognitive deficits or other challenges.
At this point, I can't recall my kiddo's APGAR score. Given that she is now four years old and seems to be developmentally on track, I'm guessing she scored just fine.
When it comes to measuring developmental success, how much do you believe the APGAR will define your child's success in life?
Like every part of the journey through parenthood, there are many variables and many opportunities.
I believe every one of our children have the ability to succeed, no matter what the score says.
How about you?
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