What is indicated by a score of 2 in the APGAR for respiratory effort?

A score of 2 for respiratory effort in the APGAR indicates that the newborn demonstrates vigorous crying, which suggests that they are breathing effectively. The APGAR scoring system evaluates a newborn's health immediately after birth across five criteria: appearance, pulse, grimace response, activity, and respiration. Each area is scored from 0 to 2, with 2 being the highest score.

In this context, a score of 2 signifies that the infant has normal respiratory effort, characterized by strong and regular breathing or crying. This is essential for ensuring adequate oxygenation and is a positive sign of the baby's transition to life outside the womb. In comparison, other scores reflect varying degrees of respiratory distress. For instance, irregular or slow breathing would receive a lower score, indicative of potential issues requiring medical attention.