The Moro reflex is often called a startle reflex because it usually occurs when a baby is startled by a loud sound or movement. Babies also have a hand-to-mouth reflex that accompanies rooting and sucking and may suck on their fingers or hands. Premature babies may have a weak or immature sucking ability, because they are born prior to the development of this reflex. This reflex does not begin until about the 32nd week of pregnancy and is not fully developed until about 36 weeks. When the roof of the baby’s mouth is touched with the breast or bottle nipple, the baby will begin to suck. The root reflex helps the baby find the breast or bottle. The baby will turn his or her head and opens his or her mouth to follow and “root” in the direction of the stroking. This reflex occurs when the corner of the baby’s mouth is stroked or touched. Reflexes in newborns include the following: As the nervous system begins to mature, these reflexes give way to purposeful behaviors. Much of a newborn’s movements and activity are reflexes or involuntary – the baby does not purposefully make these movements. Medical problems, including some birth defects and some infections during the pregnancy, can affect a newborn’s birth weight and later growth.Īlthough a newborn spends about 16 hours a day sleeping, the time a baby is awake can be busy. ![]() Gaining a lot of weight can make a baby more likely to be born bigger than average. A poor diet during pregnancy can affect how much a newborn weighs and how the infant grows. ![]() Good nutrition is vital for a baby’s growth - before and after birth. If the mother has diabetes or is obese, the baby may have a higher birth weight. Babies may have a lower birth weight if the mother has high blood pressure or heart problems or has used cigarettes, alcohol or illegal drugs during the pregnancy. Girls tend to be smaller, and boys larger, but the differences are slight at birth. First babies are sometimes smaller than brothers or sisters born later. Multiples have to share their growing space in the uterus, and they’re often born early, which leads to smaller size at birth. With twins, triplets or other multiples, parents can assume their babies may be a bit small. ![]() Big and tall parents may have larger-than-average newborns short and petite parents may have smaller-than-average newborns. Babies born around their due date or later tend to be larger than those born earlier. The length of the pregnancy is important. What Factors Determine My Newborn’s Physical Growth?ĭifferent things can affect a baby’s size at birth.
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