Survival Reflexes Flashcards
What is the correct term for the startle reflex?
Moro Reflex
What triggers the newborn to portray the Moro reflex and what does reflex look like?
Loud sounds or movements- the baby will throw its head back and extends arms/legs, cries, then pulls extremities in.
(Their own cry can trigger this)
How long does the Moro reflex last developmentally in the newborn?
Birth up to two months old.
How is the Moro reflex assessed a full neonatal examination?
The baby will be placed on a padded surface where a midwife will gently raise the head with an arm underneath to catch a very short distance underneath the midwife will release and catch and the reflex will trigger
What does the absence of a Moro reflex possibly indicate?
Suggests damage to the brain or spinal cord
What is the stepping reflex?
Where a baby supported upright will look like they are taking steps when the feet are on a flat surface, can also look like a dance.
How long does the Stepping Reflex last?
Birth- Two months
What is the rooting reflex?
This reflex starts when the corner of the baby’s mouth is stroked or touched. The baby will turn his or her head and open his or her mouth to follow and root in the direction of the stroking. This helps the baby find the breast to start feeding.
How long does the rooting reflex last?
Birth-4 months
What is the sucking reflex?
When the roof of the baby’s mouth is touched, the baby will start to suck. Because babies also have a hand-to-mouth reflex that goes with rooting and sucking, they may suck on their fingers or hands.
When does the sucking reflex occur?
This reflex doesn’t start until about the 32nd week of pregnancy and is not fully developed until about 36 weeks. Premature babies may have a weak or immature sucking ability because of this. To up to 2 years old.
What is the grasp reflex?
Stroking the palm of a baby’s hand causes the baby to close his or her fingers in a grasp.
How long does the grasp reflex occur for?
Birth up to 6 months old.
What is the plantar reflex?
an automatic response in your baby’s foot after it’s been stroked from heel to toe.
How long does the plantar reflex occur?
Birth- 6 months to a year (varies).
