What is the normal newborn Apgar score and what does it assess?

The Apgar score is assessed at one and five minutes after birth, evaluating five criteria each scored 0, 1, or 2: appearance or skin color, pulse or heart rate, grimace or reflex irritability, activity or muscle tone, and respiration. A total score of 7 to 10 is normal and reassuring, 4 to 6 indicates moderate distress requiring intervention, and 0 to 3 indicates severe distress requiring aggressive resuscitation. Heart rate is the most important indicator of neonatal well-being. A rate below 100 requires positive pressure ventilation.