Introduction:
Neonatal reflex is involuntary body movements that develop after the child's birth. They are usually produced by stimulation. The neonatal reflex signifies the developing central nervous system. They disappear after a certain period; however, in a few children, it remains to show. Therefore, it is essential to understand.
What Is Neonatal Reflex?
Neonatal reflexes are defined as an involuntary reflex which is developed after birth and initiated by stimulation. This reflex is the reaction of muscles and a sign of the proper neurological development of the child.
Following are the various types of neonatal reflex and their duration.
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Sucking Reflex - It starts during pregnancy and lasts up to three years.
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Stepping Reflex - It begins after birth and lasts for two months.
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Rooting Reflex - It starts after birth and lasts for four months.
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Palmar Reflex - It lasts from birth to five months of age.
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Startle Reflex - It starts after birth and lasts for four months.
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Tonic Neck Reflex - It is a seven-month-long condition that begins after birth.
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Plantar Reflex - It is presented for nine months after birth.
What Is a Startle Reflex in Infants?
The startle reflex, also known as the Moro reflex, is a type of involuntary reflex. A physician, Dr.Ernst Moro, first discovered this movement; therefore, it is also known as the Moro reflex. The reflex starts soon after the birth of the child. The infants suddenly splay their arms and start moving their legs before their arms move in front of their bodies. It is a hard-wired reflex stimulated by a newborn's hard-wired response when the child is asleep. For example, it is a response to loud noise or the sensation of falling.
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Signs of the Startle Reflex: In this reflex, the stimuli trigger the startle reflex in a child. The baby throws their head backward, and there is an extension of the arms and legs. The components of the baby extend sideways, whereas the palms are in an upward direction with thumbs flexed. The baby clenches their fists, and their arms are pulled to their chest. The baby may tend to cry for some time. There is the presence of an increased heartbeat and heavy breathing in the child. As the reflex ends, the child pulls their leg backward with flexed arms and elbows. After the end of the reflex, the child calms down and relaxes.
What Triggers the Startle Reflex?
Some infants are so sensitive that even light touch brings the startle reflex in a child. In addition, newborns are susceptible to sensory outputs.
Following are the various stimuli that trigger the startle reflex in a child.
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Presence of loud and abrupt noise.
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Presence of the sudden movement.
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The sensation of falling when a child is being picked or laid down.
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Child's cry.
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Being put in a car seat or crib.
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The presence of very bright light flicked in a dark room.
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Jerking the legs and arms causes a startle reflex in the child.
When Does Startle Reflex Start?
The startle reflex is present in newborns since birth and peaks during the first month after birth. However, there is a variation of intensity in the different children. The reflex is prominent in the first twelve weeks after birth as the child involves the head, arms, and legs.
When Does Startle Reflex Go Away?
Though a dramatic reflex, the Startle reflex goes away on its own after three to four months of birth. The Moro reflex is present in varying degrees in the baby. If the reflex does not go away after six months, it indicates a delay in the development of motor skills or cerebral palsy.
How Long Does Startle Reflex Last in Babies?
After four months, the child's neck supports the head's weight. Few intensified startle reflexes are seen in a child after four years of age. The child only extends and curls their arms without moving the head and legs. The startle reflex completely disappears as the child ages six months.
Is Startle Reflex an Issue in Infants?
The startle reflex is typical among newborns; however, if the startle reflex is absent, it is a sign of concern in the child.
The absence of the startle reflex is suggestive of the following condition.
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If there is the absence of a startle reflex on both sides of the limbs, it indicates brain and spinal cord damage.
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If the startle reflex is absent on one side of the limbs, it indicates nerve injury, which extends the arms. It also shows damage to the nerves of the legs.
How to Reduce Startle Reflex in Children?
The startle reflex is a good sign in infants. However, in some children, there is the presence of an exaggerated startle reflex, which affects the child's sleep.
Following are the methods by which parents can soothe their child if crying, fussy, or distressed.
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Parents should stretch the arms and legs of the baby toward their body.
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Parents should hold the baby close to them until they calm down.
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Parents should support the head and neck of the child.
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Parents should swaddle their children gently.
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The swaddle must be in a lightweight cloth.
When Should Parents Visit a Pediatrician?
Parents should visit a pediatrician in the following situations.
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The exaggerated startle reflex is present with muscle rigidity and brief paralysis.
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Inherited neurological conditions present in newborns show hyperekplexia and severe startle reflexes.
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The increased muscle tone is known as hypertonia, which makes the limb stiff.
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Difficulty in body movement of the child due to stiffness.
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If the child does not show any signs of the startle reflex.
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If the child is only moving one side of the body, it is suggestive of damage to the nerves on the non-moving side, which runs down from the neck to the arm.
Conclusion:
The neonatal reflex is considered a developing milestone in child growth and development. Neonatal reflex signifies proper growth and development of the child's nervous system. Parents should be aware and careful while the child is growing. They should observe all the behavioral changes in the child. The neonatal reflex remains for a certain period and disappears on its own. Parents should keep an eye on the duration of reflex and seek pediatrician visits if there is the presence of any abnormality.
