Which reflex would the nurse observe when a newborn starts to cry and extends the legs

What Are Reflexes in Newborns?

Reflexes are involuntary movements or actions. Some movements are spontaneous, occurring as part of the baby's usual activity. Others are responses to certain actions.

Reflexes help identify normal brain and nerve activity. Some reflexes occur only in specific periods of development.

The following are some of the normal reflexes seen in newborns.

Root Reflex

Which reflex would the nurse observe when a newborn starts to cry and extends the legs
This reflex begins when the corner of the baby's mouth is stroked or touched. The baby will turn his or her head and open the mouth to follow and "root" in the direction of the stroking. This helps the baby find the breast or bottle to begin feeding.

The root reflex lasts until about 4 months of age; then it is replaced by voluntary turning of the head to the nipple.

Suck Reflex

Which reflex would the nurse observe when a newborn starts to cry and extends the legs
The sucking reflex, like rooting, is an automatic survival action.  Rooting actually helps the baby become ready to suck. When the roof of the baby's mouth is touched, the baby will begin to suck. This reflex begins at about the 32nd week of pregnancy and is not fully developed until about 36 weeks’ gestational age. Hence, premature babies may have a weak or immature ability to suck.

Babies also have a hand-to-mouth reflex that goes with rooting and sucking and may suck on fingers or hands. Sometimes the fetus can be seen sucking his or her thumb on a prenatal ultrasound.

Moro Reflex

Which reflex would the nurse observe when a newborn starts to cry and extends the legs
The Moro reflex is often called a startle reflex because it usually occurs when a baby is startled by a loud sound or movement. In response to the sound, the baby throws back his or her head, extends out the arms and legs, cries, then pulls the arms and legs back in toward the body. Even a baby’s own cry can trigger this startle reflex. This reflex lasts until 2 months of age.

Tonic Neck Reflex

The tonic neck reflex is often called the “fencing” position.  When a baby’s head is turned to one side, the arm on that side stretches out, and the opposite arm bends up at the elbow. The tonic neck reflex lasts about 5 to 7 months.

Grasp Reflex

Which reflex would the nurse observe when a newborn starts to cry and extends the legs
Stroking the palm of a baby's hand causes the baby to close his or her fingers in a grasp. It is a strong reflex and is an even firmer grip in premature babies. The grasp reflex lasts 5 to 6 months.

Babinski Reflex

When the sole of the foot is firmly stroked, the big toe bends back toward the top of the foot and the other toes fan out. This is a normal reflex up to about 1 year of age.

Step Reflex

This reflex is also called the walking or dance reflex because a baby appears to take steps or dance when held upright with his or her feet touching a solid surface. This reflex disappears at 2 months of age.

Newborn reflexes, also known as baby reflexes or infant reflexes, are normal and are crucial for a baby’s survival. They are the baby’s muscle reactions, involuntary movements or neurological responses to stimulation or triggers which may include sound, light, sudden movement and being stroked or touched.

Doctors and nurses check baby reflexes to determine if a baby’s brain and nervous system are functioning properly. If you notice abnormal reflexes in your child, please see a doctor as these may indicate a dysfunction in the central nervous system.

There are many different types of newborn reflexes. You will notice many of them as you interact with your baby, and they can be really cute and fun to watch. Some reflexes only occur in specific periods of the baby’s development, but some can stay for years, all the way through adulthood. It’s good to note though that some adults who have brain damage or who have experienced stroke may experience baby reflexes as well.

  • Moro Reflex

    Babies usually exhibit a full Moro reflex which includes the arms, head and legs in their first 12 weeks after birth. Also called the startle reflex, Moro reflex usually occurs when a baby gets startled by a loud sound, sudden movement or intense light. As a response to the trigger, the baby suddenly lifts the arms and legs, curl them back toward the body and then throw the head back. Your baby's own cry may also startle him/her and trigger the Moro reflex.

    Some babies experience an abnormal Moro reflex which only involves one side of the body. Other babies may have no Moro reflex at all. Some causes of an abnormal or absent Moro reflex may include infections, muscle weakness, injuries from childbirth, peripheral nerve damage and spastic cerebral palsy.

    When Does the Startle Reflex Go Away?

    The Moro or startle reflex usually lasts until the baby is about five to six months old.

  • Rooting Reflex

    This newborn reflex begins by touching or stroking the corner of the baby's mouth or when it touches the mother’s skin or nipple. When triggered, you will notice that the baby will turn his/her head and open his/her mouth to follow and "root" in the direction of the stroking. The rooting reflex helps the baby find the breast or bottle and also helps prepare him/her to suck.

    When Does the Rooting Reflex Go Away?

    The rooting reflex in babies usually lasts for about four months. After that, rooting becomes a voluntary response rather than a reflex.

  • Sucking Reflex

    This type of reflex usually starts when the baby is about 32 weeks inside the mother’s womb. If you’re pregnant, you may see your baby sucking his/her thumbs or hands during an ultrasound. When the baby is born, the sucking reflex happens in two stages. First, when the roof of the mouth is stimulated or when you place the mother’s breast or a bottle in his/her mouth, the baby will place the lips over the nipple and squeeze it between the tongue and roof of the mouth. Next, the baby will move his/her tongue to the nipple to suck and milk the breast.

    Premature babies may take weeks to properly suck and swallow which is why some doctors recommend a feeding tube inserted through the nose into the stomach to help them get the nutrients they need.

    When Does the Sucking Reflex Go Away?

    The sucking reflex usually lasts until the baby is four months old.

  • Tonic Neck Reflex

    Also known as a fencing reflex, the tonic neck reflex happens when the baby's head turns to one side. This is triggered when you stroke or tap the side of the baby’s spine while the baby lies on his/her stomach. For instance, if the baby’s head turns to the right, the right arm will stretch out and then the left arm will bend at the elbow, forming a so-called "fencing" position.

    When Does the Tonic Neck Reflex Go Away?

    Tonic neck reflex may last until the baby is around five to six months old.

  • Grasp Reflex

    Stroking or touching the palm of a baby may cause the baby to automatically close his/her hands. For example, when you place your finger on the baby’s palm, he/she will grasp it and hold onto your hand because of the grasp reflex.

    When Does the Grasp Reflex Go Away?

    The grasp reflex may last until the baby is about five to six months old.

  • Babinski Reflex

    The Babinski reflex happens when you firmly stoke the sole of the baby’s foot. The baby’s big toe moves upward or toward the top of the foot and the other toe fans out.

    When Does the Babinski Reflex Go Away?

    The Babinski reflex usually lasts until the child is about two years old, but for some, it goes away after a year.

  • Stepping Reflex

    This cute reflex is also called the walking or dancing reflex. Stepping reflex happens when you hold the baby upright with his/her feet touching a flat surface. You will notice that the baby will move his/her legs as if he/she is walking or trying to take steps although the baby is still too young to actually walk.

    When Does the Stepping Reflex Go Away?

    The stepping reflex often lasts for about two months.

  • Please see a pediatrician in Detroit if you have worries about your baby’s development or if he/she continues to experience newborn reflexes beyond the normal period as this may be a sign of a nervous system dysfunction.

    One of our pediatricians in Detroit may perform exams that can help determine if your baby experiences abnormal infant reflexes as well. If your baby was born prematurely, don’t compare his or her development to that of full-term newborns. Premature babies are usually behind full-term babies in terms of development.

    Which reflex would the nurse observe when a newborn starts to cry?

    Moro or "startle" reflex A dramatic reflex during these first few weeks is the Moro reflex. If your baby's head shifts position abruptly or falls backward--or if he is startled by something loud or abrupt--he will extend his arms and legs and neck and then rapidly bring his arms together. He may even cry loudly.

    Which reflects with the nurse observe when a newborn starts to cry and extends the legs arms and fingers when there is a loud noise?

    The Moro reflex is often called a startle reflex. That's because it usually occurs when a baby is startled by a loud sound or movement. In response to the sound, the baby throws back his or her head, extends out his or her arms and legs, cries, then pulls the arms and legs back in.

    What are the 5 newborn reflexes?

    Newborn reflexes, also known as baby reflexes or infant reflexes, are normal and are crucial for a baby's survival..
    Moro Reflex. ... .
    Rooting Reflex. ... .
    Sucking Reflex. ... .
    Tonic Neck Reflex. ... .
    Grasp Reflex. ... .
    Babinski Reflex. ... .
    Stepping Reflex..

    What is the startle reflex in newborns?

    The Moro reflex is a normal reflex for an infant when he or she is startled or feels like they are falling. The infant will have a startled look and the arms will fling out sideways with the palms up and the thumbs flexed. Absence of the Moro reflex in newborn infants is abnormal and may indicate an injury or disease.