09/06/2016
Virginia Apgar, the pioneering anesthesiologist and inventor of the Apgar score for measuring the health of newborn babies, was born on this day in 1909. The Apgar score, which is now used in many countries around the world, helps doctors quickly assess the health of newborns to determine if they need medical intervention. Apgar also authored a groundbreaking book called “Is My Baby All Right?” which provided parents with a reassuring and informative guide to birth defects, which had previously been a taboo topic and a source of shame to many families. Apgar's unflagging determination to provide the best possible care for both women and their babies is perhaps best summed up by her famous quote: "Nobody, but nobody, is going to stop breathing on me."
Born in Westfield, New Jersey, Apgar graduated from the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1933. She quickly became the first female full professor at CUCPS, which also allowed her to conduct research at the affiliated Sloane Hospital for Women. She soon realized that medical personnel had no standardized way to assess the health of newborn babies. In a 1953 paper, she proposed a test she called the Apgar score, which used her last name as a mnemonic for areas to assess: Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration. It was quickly adopted by many doctors to identify newborns who needed medical intervention.
In 1959, Apgar left CUCPS and started working for the March of Dimes Foundation, directing its research program into the prevention of birth defects. While there, she raised awareness of the connection between premature birth and low Apgar scores. During the devastating rubella pandemic of 1964-65, which led to tens of thousands of miscarriages and babies born with severe birth defects, she became an outspoken advocate for universal vaccination to prevent mother-to-child transmission of rubella. Apgar published over 60 papers during her lifetime, and continued working and researching until her death in 1974. Since her death, she has been honored with a place in the National Women’s Hall of Fame.
Virginia Apgar is one of the many female innovators featured in the inspiring book "Girls Think of Everything: Stories of Ingenious Inventions by Women" for ages 8 and up at http://www.amightygirl.com/girls-think-of-everything
Apgar is also one of 26 women featured in "Rad American Women A-Z: Rebels, Trailblazers, and Visionaries Who Shaped Our History... And Our Future!" for ages 10 and up at http://www.amightygirl.com/rad-american-women-a-z
She is one of the 52 female scientists profiled in the fascinating book “Headstrong: 52 Women Who Changed Science – and The World," recommended for teens and adults alike at http://www.amightygirl.com/headstrong-52-women
For our favorite science kits and toys to encourage your own budding scientist from a young age, check out our blog post, "Top 40 Science, Math, & Programming Toys," at http://www.amightygirl.com/blog?p=10528
And, if you have young children curious about pregnancy, we highly recommend the "Mother Layer Puzzle" for ages 3 to 7, which features 5 layers showing the development of the fetus in the womb, at http://www.amightygirl.com/mother-layer-puzzle
