Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026

The 4-vessel Sampling Approach to Integrative Studies of Human Placental Physiology In Vivo
Published on: August 2, 2017
Apgar Scoring System in Brazil's Live Births Records: Differences between Home and Hospital Births
Jordana de Faria Bessa1, Naieli Bonatto2
1Department of Gynecology, Clínica Humana, Guarulhos, SP, Brazil.
Objective:
To promote informed choice for women and to compare home and hospital births in relation to the Apgar score.
Methods:
Mother's profile and Apgar score of naturally born infants (without forceps assistance) in Brazil between 2011 and 2015, in both settings-hospital or home-were collected from live birth records provided by the Informatics Department of the Unified Health System (DATASUS, in the Portuguese acronym). For the analysis, were included only data from low-risk deliveries, including gestational time between 37 and 41 weeks, singleton pregnancy, at least four visits of prenatal care, infants weighing between 2,500 g, and 4,000 g, mother age between 20-40 years old, and absence of congenital anomalies.
Results:
Home birth infants presented significantly higher risk of 0-5 Apgar scores, both in 1 minute (6.4% versus 3%, odds ratio [OR] = 2.2, confidence interval [CI] IC 2-2.4) and in 5 minutes (4.8% versus 0.4%, OR = 11.5, CI 10.5-12.7). Another finding is related to recovery estimates when from an initially bad 1-minute Apgar (< 6) to a subsequently better 5-minute Apgar (> 6). In this scenario, home infants had poorer recovery, Apgar score was persistently < 6 throughout the fifth minute in most cases (71% versus 10.7%, OR 20.4, CI 17-24.6).
Conclusion:
The results show worse Apgar scores for babies born at home, compared with those born at the hospital setting. This is a pioneer and preliminary study that brings attention concerning differences in Apgar score related to home versus hospital place of birth in Brazil.
Related Concept Videos
Guidelines For Measuring Vital Signs
Before taking a patient's vital signs, a nurse would consider and assess the patient's comfort level and ensure appropriate equipment is available.
Temperature Measurement Sites
Oral: When assessing oral temperature, the thermometer tip should be placed under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket. It offers accurate readings and can be...
Assessment of apical radial pulse
The A-R pulse assessment involves simultaneous evaluation of the apical and radial pulses. When the apical and radial pulse rates vary, this assessment helps identify a pulse deficit.
Pre-Procedural Preparation
Special considerations while measuring blood pressure
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
SBAR II: Application of SBAR
SBAR Report from a Nurse to a Health Care Provider
S: "Hello, Dr. Smith. This is Jane, RN, from the Med Surg unit. I am calling to tell you about Ms. White in Room 210, who is experiencing increased pain and redness at her incision site. Her recent...
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure

