Neonatal Reflexes: An Overview

What Are Neonatal Reflexes?

Neonatal reflexes are involuntary reflexes that are developed soon after birth. Neonatal reflexes are developed or initiated by any stimulation. Reflexes are responses to muscle reactions. The proper development of reflexes is a sign of normal function of the nervous system. Usually, some of these reflexes may disappear in a few weeks or a few months. If these reflexes do not disappear, which are supposed to fade, that is a sign of nervous system damage. So it is essential to observe the neonatal reflexes.

What Are the Few Signs Showing the Reflexes Are Performed Properly?

The following are the few signs showing the reflexes are appropriately performed.

• The baby starts sucking when a finger or anything is taken near its mouth.

• The baby tries to close its eyes when the bright light is reflected in its eyes.

• Baby can swivel their head in any direction.

• The baby tries to grasp the fingers.

What Are the Neonatal Reflexes Supposed to Be Observed?

Few reflexes are developed soon after birth. The following are the reflexes that are supposed to be observed.

• Stepping reflex - It starts at birth and lasts for two months.

• Sucking reflex - It starts during the pregnancy and lasts for two to three years.

• Rooting reflex - It starts at birth and lasts for four months.

• Palmar grasp - It starts at birth and lasts for five to six months.

• Moro reflex - It starts at birth and lasts for two months.

• Tonic neck reflexes- It starts at birth and lasts for five to seven months.

• Plantar reflex - It starts at birth and lasts for nine to twelve months.

Observing the neonatal reflexes as they play over development and neurological development is essential.

What Is Sucking Reflex?

The sucking reflex is an involuntary reflex that happens spontaneously and is developed at around 36 weeks of pregnancy. This sucking reflux is poorly designed in premature babies but should be fully developed in fully matured babies. That is the reason why sometimes premature babies may need a feeding tube for feeding. This is essential and primitive reflux. Because of this reflex, the baby starts sucking milk. Lack of or poor sucking reflexes will result in a risk of poor nutrition and various other complications. These reflexes are essential in the first few weeks or months of life.

Sucking is not a simple process. It occurs in two steps: the baby first holds the nipple between the tongue and the roof of the mouth, and in the second step, the infant will start sucking by moving the tongue up and down. In this way, using reflexes, the baby begins expressing the milk.

How to Check for Sucking Reflexes?

The following are a few ways to check if the baby is sucking correctly or not.

• One will observe quick sucks followed by fewer slow sucks.

• One can also notice the slight movement of the infant's lower jaw.

• One can also hear soft, dull sounds when the baby is sucking.

• Will not cause any harm to mother.

What Is Stepping Reflux?

The stepping reflex is holding the baby and allowing the baby's feet to touch the surface (be careful to keep the neck of the baby properly). The baby may not stand or bear weight, but this reflex helps the baby to crawl. This reflex starts at the time of birth, disappears at two months, and reappears in the later stages when the baby is around one year old.

What Is Moro Reflex?

Moro reflex, otherwise called the startle reflex, usually develops at the time of birth and lasts for two months. If the baby's head suddenly falls backward, the baby will extend the arms and legs and bring the arms together later. This Moro reflex is more prominent at one month of age and slowly starts disappearing at the end of two months of age.

What Is the Tonic Neck Reflex?

The tonic neck reflex is an involuntary response of the neck. When the neck turns in any direction, the baby automatically extends its hands and bends the opposite hand in a fencing posture. One may not observe this response when the baby is crying or showing irritable behavior. The reflex starts at the time of birth and lasts for five to seven months of age.

What Is the Grasping Reflex?

The grasping reflex is seen soon after the birth. When one gently strokes the baby's hand, the infant tries to grasp the finger, which is an involuntary reflex, and the baby has no control over this reflex. And the baby loses the grip immediately. This reflex usually lasts for five to seven months of age.

What Is Truncal Incurvation or Galant Reflex?

The galant reflex is checked by holding the newborn face down in one hand and stroking the baby's skin along either side of the spine with the other. In response, the baby's spine should curve, causing the head and feet to shift towards the side being stroked.

What Are the Few Reflexes That Last Till Adulthood?

Few reflexes stay till adulthood. They include:

• When something is very close to the child's eyes or when a strong light is present, the child will close their eye as a sign of the blinking reflex.

• The coughing reflex is seen when the airway tract is stimulated.

• The gag reflex is seen when the roof of the oral cavity is stimulated or when the throat is stimulated.

• The yawn reflex is observed till adulthood when the brain requires more oxygen.

• The sneeze reflex is also seen in adulthood when the nasal cavity is irritated.

When Do Newborn Reflexes Disappear?

Most of the newborn reflexes disappear in four to six months. As the baby grows, their brain matures, and the involuntary reflex with voluntary movements. The stepping reflex will subside within two months of age while the grasping and tonic reflex will take a while.

Do All the Reflexes of the Baby Disappear?

Some reflexes subside within weeks or months, but some extend through adulthood, such as

• Blink reflex.

• Sneeze reflex.

• Yawn reflex.

• Cough reflex.

• Gag reflex.

Conclusion:

The neonatal reflexes are the involuntary reflexes that mostly appear at the time of birth. A few of these reflexes may disappear at specific periods. These neonatal reflexes are associated with the healthy development of the brain. If these reflexes do not disappear at a certain period, that is a sign of brain damage. The few neonatal reflexes include sucking, grasping, rooting, stepping, neck, etc. It is essential to keep an eye on these reflexes as they benefit the child's overall development.