Summary.In this prospective study, we investigated the relation between the Apgar and Sigtuna scores in 1605 newborns. In 169 of them, umbilical arterial blood specimens were analysed for blood gases. There were significant correlations between the Sigtuna and Apgar scores at 1, 5 and 10 minutes after birth (P<0.001). Umbilical arterial blood pH (pHua) values were shown to be correlated with both the Sigtuna and Apgar scores. The Sigtuna score was similar to the Apgar score in respect of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value in relation to pH level. We conclude that because of the simplicity of the Sigtuna score, it may be used in place of the Apgar score to establish a rapid diagnosis of asphyxia.