Razaz N, et al. - In this population based cohort study, researchers examined connections between Apgar scores of 7, 8, and 9 (vs 10) at 1, 5, and 10 minutes, and neonatal mortality and morbidity. The study sample consisted of 1,551,436 non-malformed live singleton infants [born at term (≥37 weeks’ gestation) between 1999 and 2016] with Apgar scores of ≥7 at 1, 5, and 10 minutes. For this analysis, infants with 7, 8, and 9 at 1, 5, and 10 minutes Apgar scores were compared with those with 10 at 1, 5, and 10 minutes Apgar score, respectively. Compared to infants with an Apgar score of 10, neonatal mortality aORs, neonatal infections, complications associated with asphyxia, respiratory distress, and neonatal hypoglycaemia were higher among infants with lower Apgar scores, particularly at 5 and 10 minutes. In term, non-malformed infants, neonatal mortality and morbidity risks were higher among those with lower Apgar score values at 1, 5, and 10 minutes within the normal range (7 to 9). Even a small change in Apgar score from 5 minutes to 10 minutes has been linked to higher neonatal morbidity risks. The optimal Apgar score is 10 at each point of time, and all newborns should receive an Apgar score of 10 minutes, irrespective of their score of 1 minute and 5 minutes.