Before the advent of a simple test called the Apgar score, many newborn babies did not get the care they needed at birth. The Apgar score is a system of measuring a baby's health at the time of birth to see if he or she needs special care. Dr. Virginia Apgar saw a simple way to help these newborns by rating them in a number of different health areas. Thanks to the Apgar score, thousands of babies with special needs get the care they need immediately.