Final answer:
The Apgar score is used to assess a newborn's condition at birth, including respiration and heart rate, which are vital for determining their blood oxygen saturation levels. Newborns typically reach blood oxygen saturation levels above 90% within a few minutes after birth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Upon the birth of a newborn, health care providers assess the baby's condition using the Apgar score, which evaluates critical factors such as skin color, heart rate, reflex, muscle tone, and respiration. This score helps determine whether a newborn requires immediate medical care. It is normal for healthy newborns to take a few minutes to adjust to breathing outside the womb, and their blood oxygen saturation levels are monitored as part of this assessment. Although Apgar scores are taken at 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth, the transition in blood oxygen saturation can take longer. Typically, it's expected that newborns increase their blood oxygen saturation to over 90% within several minutes post-delivery.