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Startle Reflex in Babies- What Is it and How to Control it
Early in parenthood, you might find yourself wishing that the baby came with a manual so that you can understand him better. You might be worried about every movement your child makes, and wonder what his movement means. Some of his movements and reflexes are simply hard to comprehend.
Of the many reflexes that you will observe in your child, most are harmless. The rooting and sucking reflexes help the child breastfeed, and are not a problem for the parents to worry about. However, some reflexes can be a little troubling, namely the Moro reflex or startle reflex.
What is Startle Reflex in Infants?
Babies usually exhibit around nine reflexes right from the time they are born, and the Moro reflex is one among those. Also called the startle reflex, this is said to occur when the baby suddenly wakes up from his sleep. The action might seem unnatural and even harmful, as it is not anywhere close to the way the child wakes up normally, he might pull his knees, and raise his arms, only to go back to the fetal position again.
Is the Startle Reflex an Issue in Newborn Babies?
The Moro reflex does not indicate any sort of disorder in the baby whatsoever, it is in fact, an indication of a healthy nervous system. If the baby startles out of his sleep, it means that the nervous system of the child is working perfectly. However, it does not mean that the child will enjoy waking up abruptly, he might end up crying and may even refuse to go back to sleep again.
What Does the Baby Moro Reflex Look Like?
There are two phases of the baby startle reflex during sleep. In phase one, the arms of the child flail and the baby seems to inhale abruptly. This is followed by loud cries and fussy behaviour. This occurs because the baby feels the sensation of free fall, and reacts to it by stretching his arms out. The second phase is all about the baby going back to the fetal position, in a similarly abrupt fashion. This is because the baby is wired to protect himself from the ‘fall’, and the fetal position gives him the best chance to do that.
What Triggers Baby Startle Reflexes?
The startle reflex is triggered due to some external stimuli, and some of them are given below. Know why they occur:
Auditory: If there occur any sudden noises like a slamming door or a clang of a pot, the reflex may kick in.
Visual: Changes in the amount of light in the room can also cause the reflex to kick in.
Touch: If you are holding your baby, any sudden movements like standing up can also cause the reaction in the child.
Shifting: If you make the child feel unsupported by your action, like if you are in the process of laying your child down on the bed, it may trigger the Moro reflex in him.
When Does Startle Reflex Start?
The startle reflex is present in children from the birth itself. Your child will exhibit the reflex right from the time he is born, and it is completely normal too.
How Long Does the Moro Reflex Last in Babies?
Present from birth, this reflex gradually disappears by the time the baby turns six-months-old. As the muscles of the baby develop, he is able to balance better and it is during this time you should support himself well during sleep.
Age-wise Stages of Startle Reflex
The stages of the Moro reflex change according to the age of the child, as given below.
0 to 1 Month
At this stage, the world is something strange to the child. Startle reflex occurs often, and swaddling might help the baby sleep better.
2 to 3 Months
The baby is more accustomed to your touch, so he will be calm by this age and will sleep better in your embrace. Even if he wakes up during his sleep in an abrupt fashion, your gentle touch may help him go back to sleep quickly.
4 to 6 Months
The muscles of the neck and back develop by this time, so the baby is able to balance himself during his sleep. This means that he is more likely to sleep through and Moro reflex gradually dies out.
How to Reduce Moro Reflex in Infants?
Here are a few ways to help your child through startle reflexes:
Swaddling
The baby feels safe and secure in the warm embrace of a blanket, so the startle reflex incidents may reduce if you swaddle the child comfortably.
Babywearing
This option is even better than swaddling, as the baby always remains in contact with his mom or dad throughout his sleep. This reduces startle reflexes to a great extent.
Co-sleeping
Co-sleeping not only calms the baby down in his sleep but also makes it easier for a parent to attend to the child in the middle of the night without losing much sleep.
Transferring methods
In most cases, the Moro reflexes kick in because of abrupt movements that occur as the baby sleeps. Therefore, you can handle the baby extremely gently once he goes to sleep so that his sleep is not disturbed.
When to Consult a Doctor?
If you observe that the reflex seems to affect one side of his body more than the other, it can be an indication of problems with the nervous system, paying your doctor a visit is necessary, at this stage. Even if you have not yet noticed this reflex in the child, your doctor will be able to observe it when you visit him.
FAQ
1. What If the Infant Does Not Have the Startle Reflex?
The lack of Moro reflex in the child can be an indication of problems with the brain, spinal cord, or even both. Since the reflex is an indication of a great nervous system, you should consult the doctor if you feel that it is not present in your child.
2. What If a Baby Rarely Startles?
While most parents do notice this reflex in the early days, some babies might startle in a subtle manner that parents could miss. Therefore, you should never try to startle your baby intentionally when he is asleep.
Moro reflex is a natural condition in newborns and is something that is an indication of a perfect nervous system. If you feel that it is not present in your child, you should consult the doctor immediately. You might simply be mistaken, or there may be problems with the nervous system of your child.
Also Read: Newborn Baby Reflexes Read more
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Pregnancy After Miscarriage
Many women who have gone through the nightmare of miscarriage wish to get pregnant immediately after a miscarriage. Nevertheless, some women do want to take a break, come out of their emotional doldrums, and then get pregnant again. The feelings and desires vary from woman to woman, but it is important to know what is right for you. So, how should you tread the path of pregnancy after miscarriage?
Is It Necessary To Wait For 3 Months For Getting Pregnant Again After Miscarriage?
It is of utmost importance to know if you can plan an early pregnancy after miscarriage. But before that, here are some words of comfort for you. Miscarriage, especially in the early stages of pregnancy, is common. It is observed that about 15% of pregnant women experience a miscarriage. In fact, about 50% of all pregnancies get terminated even before the woman is aware of her pregnancy. Most of the time the reason is unknown, and it may be a futile exercise to search for the cause.
Now, in your case, if the doctor has not suggested you to wait for the mandatory 3 months, then it is perfectly alright to start preparing for the next pregnancy. If you are emotionally prepared for an early pregnancy after miscarriage, then there is no reason why you should wait for 3 months.
However, if your pregnancy loss has occurred after 20 weeks of pregnancy, then there may be a paucity of important vitamins like folate in your body. In that case, pregnancy immediately after miscarriage may not be a good idea either for you or for the baby. If you feel that your health is fragile, consult the doctor and do as he or she directs.
In some cases, doctors do advise women to wait for 3 months after a miscarriage even if it was within 20 weeks of pregnancy. This is because the menstrual cycle normally gets a new order after a miscarriage, and the doctor may want your menstrual cycle to regularize in order to calculate the due date for delivery. If you are tracking your ovulation cycles and are aware of the new cyclical order, then do share this with the doctor. This will help the doctor in calculating the due date. In that case, you need not wait for 3 months.
When to Get Pregnant After a Miscarriage?
If you are anxious to know when to conceive after miscarriage, then you must know that sex is discouraged typically for 2 weeks after a miscarriage. The objective is to prevent infections. If you have any specific problem like uterine fibroids, then the doctor will surely take that into cognizance and render his or her advice accordingly.
Periods mostly return within 6 weeks of a miscarriage. Nevertheless, this does not mean that you have to wait for at least 6 weeks to get pregnant. If you have sex right after the prohibited period, you can still get pregnant. It is the coming together of your emotional readiness and biological preparedness, as assessed by the doctor, which will determine the abstinence period.
According to a statistical study, women who have become pregnant within 6 months of getting a miscarriage have had fewer complications in comparison to those who have waited longer. However, all these studies and stats are for those who have had one miscarriage. For those who have had two or more miscarriages, the underlying cause needs to be assessed before they become pregnant again. If you are among them, then do talk to the doctor in detail and undergo tests as recommended by him or her. You may need some treatment before your next pregnancy.
Let The Ovulation Begin
It is needless to say that you need to start ovulating to get pregnant. So, you need to know when are you going to ovulate again. You have lots of HCG hormone (Human chorionic gonadotropin) in your blood right after the miscarriage. This level needs to go down to zero for your cycle to start again. This time varies from woman to woman and can be anything from a few days to a few weeks. So, ideally, you should wait to start having sex until the time you start ovulating. Look out for the signs and symptoms of ovulation to help keep track.
Is It Very Hard To Get Pregnant After a Miscarriage?
It is a myth that chances of getting pregnant after miscarriage are low. Your chances of getting pregnant are the same as before and as any other woman. In fact, some women do get pregnant easily within 3 months of miscarriage. There is one study that reveals that nearly 70% of women who have suffered a miscarriage and have renewed their efforts immediately after, have become pregnant within 3 months.
Yet, if you are eager to know if anything can be done to improve your chances of pregnancy, then there are some things one should follow. Healthy lifestyle choices like limiting your intake of coffee and avoiding alcohol and drugs do have a bearing on your chances of a healthy pregnancy. You should also keep a strict vigil on your weight. Obese women find it difficult to maintain pregnancy. You can also start taking prenatal folic acid a few months before you start trying to get pregnant.
Are There Any Chances Of Another Miscarriage?
Studies show that only 1% of pregnant women have more than one miscarriage. So, your chances of getting another miscarriage might be minuscule. It is not true that chances of miscarriage get multiplied after one miscarriage. The chances are the same as they were with the first miscarriage (around 14%).
However, if you have had two miscarriages, then the risk of another miscarriage is around 26%. In the same way, the risk is about 28% after the third miscarriage. According to a study, only 53% of women who tried to get pregnant within 3 months of miscarriage delivered healthy babies. On the other hand, among the women who waited for at least 3 months before trying to get pregnant, 36% became pregnant and delivered a baby.
What Can Be Done To Improve Chances Of Healthy Pregnancy After Miscarriage?
There is not much that can be done to prevent miscarriage. If you have an underlying problem, say ovarian cysts, then the doctor will first treat that problem and then advise you to try to get pregnant. In that case, your chances improve automatically after the treatment. Some women have uterine fibroids that may need to be surgically removed before getting pregnant. However, if you don't suffer from any such conditions, then all you need to do is make lifestyle changes to improve chances of a healthy pregnancy after miscarriage.
Miscarriage is an unfortunate event. However, don't lose hope in the event of multiple miscarriages. There are many women who have delivered healthy babies even after experiencing several miscarriages. Read more
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Baby Fighting Sleep - Reasons & Tips to Deal With It
People think that all a baby does is eat, sleep, poop, and repeat but that's not it. Sometimes, a baby may even fight sleep even when he is sleepy or needs to sleep. Clever, isn't he that little boy of yours? Your baby may cry when he is hungry, he may make noise when he wants attention. You will understand all these actions but when he fights sleep even when he needs to sleep, you won't be able to understand it easily. Understanding the cause of this behaviour can help you figure out how to deal with it.
What Does Fighting Sleep Mean?
If you are not aware of the signs of baby fighting sleep, it can get difficult to understand the actual meaning of fighting sleep itself. Try putting your child to sleep the way you do and there will be times when he expresses his irritation or frustration, maybe even crying out loud or pushing you away. This may even evolve into bending the back and rolling around, kicking and punching, and making a fuss in general.
Why Does a Baby Fight Sleep?
Many parents struggle to understand why babies fight sleep during the day or other times when it is actually for their own benefit. There are a number of factors that help a baby fall asleep by itself naturally, and some of them can disturb him if they are not appropriately present or absent.
1. An Absence of a Proper Routine
Having emerged from the safe womb into a world filled with lights and noises, babies can take some time and effort in falling asleep by themselves. The more things are predictable and repetitive, the more babies begin to feel safer and can relax. If the routine after childbirth is quite haphazard, your baby might get confused in knowing when is the time for feeding and when to fall asleep, leading to the feelings of insecurity.
2. An Absence of the Right Atmosphere
The only reference point of a world that babies have is the experience within the womb. The uterus would not only provide a safe haven that was always comfortable, but it also is a place where a baby would be listening to internal body sounds. Once your baby comes outside, make sure that his room has the right temperature; there should be no noise in his room, as well. Some babies even prefer listening to the hum of a fan or a light buzz that helps them fall asleep easily.
3. Being a Light Sleeper
While we might be able to get into deep sleep rather easily, babies usually have a tough time with that. Most sleep cycles of infants last approximately an hour and nearly a third of that time in the initial phase are in the process of reaching a deep sleep stage. Children may find this irritating and fight the natural tendency to fall asleep.
4. Not Being Swaddled
Swaddling a baby has been recommended widely but many parents believe that babies don’t actually like it because they struggle when you wrap them up. While the struggle is true, the reason behind it is usually the process. Once they are swaddled up, it makes them feel like they are back in the womb. It also helps keep their startling reflexes in check, allowing them to sleep calmly. But if you don' swaddle your baby, he might resist the urge to sleep.
5. Feeding Your Child Fully Prior to Sleeping
This does sound surprising because it goes quite contrary to popular beliefs. Nearly all parents have experienced their babies falling asleep while breastfeeding or bottle feeding, leading them to believe that it is the right approach to do so. However, a baby is usually tired during the bedtime and should not be fed much, as it might interrupt his normal sleep cycle. Give a small feed before you make him sleep and feed him properly when he wakes up.
6. Presence of a Lot of Stimulation Before Sleep Time
Babies are extremely curious about the new world they are in, and are constantly watching, listening and observing closely. They also need a lot of attention and hence they cry so that you interact with them. While this is good, an excess of it can overwhelm the child and leave him excited or disturbed, causing him to fight the instinct to fall asleep.
7. Being Overtly Exhausted or Too Tired
Some parents tend to look at overstimulation from a different perspective. They believe that tiring a baby out will make it easier for them to fall asleep. But babies are not adults and don't understand the tact of falling asleep by themselves. Therefore, your little one might fall asleep only to wake up repeatedly throughout the sleep cycle.
Tips to Deal With Baby Who Fight Sleeps
Understanding the reasons for why your baby might be failing to fall asleep is one thing, knowing how to calm a baby fighting sleep requires a deft balance of care and affection, as well as discipline in the appropriate manner. Some simple tips can bring a major change.
1. Check For Separation Anxiety and Correct it the Right Way
As rare as it might be, babies tend to feel anxious if they don’t feel the presence of their mother or father around them, making it difficult for them to fall asleep. If that seems the case, you can talk to a paediatrician and understand how best to counter it, without creating a habit of requiring your presence to fall asleep every time.
2. Allow Your Child to Be By Himself if Required
Some children require to be cooed and patted to sleep, on the other hand, there are also a few infants who prefer being alone or cuddle a toy when falling asleep. Consider yourself lucky since all you need to do is put down your child on the bed and let him fall asleep by his own volition. You can sit in a chair just to supervise him, making sure he falls asleep the right way.
3. Change His Sleeping and Feeding Schedules
Maybe the time you put your baby to sleep might be when he tends to be the most energetic and active. Conversely, that time may also be a bit too late, leaving the baby too exhausted to sleep well. Try making adjustments in the schedule by talking to your doctor and see what works the best for the little one.
4. Create a Sleeping Ritual
There is a strong reason why bedtime storytelling or lullabies have existed since time immemorial. Apart from calming down the baby and making him feel comfortable, it also subconsciously signals the baby that playing time is over and it is time to sleep. Repeating it regularly can make it easier for the baby to switch moods and be aware of the routine.
5. Let Your Baby Sleep Earlier or Later at Night
If your baby is fighting sleep, it is important to recognize whether it is due to being too tired or overstimulation. In case your baby gets tired sooner, then it is best to shift the sleeping routine an hour or two earlier than usual, allowing him to sleep before he tires himself out. However, if your baby is still energetic and active, you could shift the sleeping routine later in the night, making it easier to fall asleep without effort.
Figuring out when do babies stop fighting sleep may not be answerable with a specific time duration. However, many babies tend to accept the daily routines, the earlier they are exposed to them. By being aware of your baby’s needs and establishing a fixed schedule based on it, things will be easier for you as well as the little one.
Also Read: Sleep Regression in Babies Read more
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Is Your House Sparkling This Diwali?
Ready-Steady-Diwali! Yes, the mega-festival filled with love, light and so much mithai is upon us again. As if you're not already busy cleaning the house and renovating the fixtures - we must remind you that you're also going to have to make your abode shine and sparkle. What with managing the guests, the food and the kids (!), decor seems a bit of a hassle, no? Nay! These diwali decoration tips and ideas for home will be half the effort, and double the aesthetics. Your sparkling home will garner good vibes to spread all the luck and love on the auspicious day. Read on and work your magic!
Glittering Home Decor Ideas for Diwali
1. The Basics: De-Clutter and Organize
When you go on an organizing spree in your home, it can turn out to be quite an adventure. In the end, you'll always have a treasure trove - your mom's old sarees, a vintage vase you forgot you owned, or a churidaar you thought was misplaced. The possibilities are endless! The cleaning helps create more space, so don't forget that you're doing this to throw out trash and not make excuses for its future use. The extra space will come in handy with guests and the kids running around the house on Diwali. What's more, this will even let you keep the kids busy and out of trouble this Diwali!
2. Re-arrange
One of the best diwali interior decoration ideas is to change-up things a little. A neglected corner in your living room occupied by an old table can become the new focus with the help of showpieces, or even flowers. This will bring a brand new feel to the place. What if you swapped your dining table with nice low-seating mats or takhts? It will give the house a more royal feel and if you were going to spend on new furniture anyway, this might be a good start.
3. Art
Who says you have to buy expensive art pieces to make your walls come alive? Just get quirky paints, choose a focus wall considering the lighting and view of the room, hold the brush and get started - it'll give you an immense sense of accomplishment just to see that you made the room more lively, not to mention how much you get to brag about it! Think that might be too bold for your taste? Get a canvas instead, and be creative. Abstract art is timeless!
4. Flowers and Fragrance
Natural flowers will make your house colourful, bright and happy. Use them for making bright rangolis at the entrance or in the centre of the puja-room. They'll be much easier to maintain than the powder ones. Plus, the sight of flowers being illuminated by diyas on the big night is purely beautiful! Keep your house smelling fresh by using, aroma diffusers, incense, and scented candles.
5. Lights
Let's not under-estimate the effects of mood-lighting! To really send your family and guests into a festive fervour, include bright and festive lights for diwali decoration. If you've been using white lights in your house, try going for white-yellow tinted ones for an ethereal pale glow all around. Another great way of jazzing up your house is to not use any light and instead, spend that money on buying pretty lanterns and tiny lamps that will give the place a rustic feel. You can also use some great DIY ideas available online to create your own lamps and other diwali decoration items for home.
This four pronged approach to home decor won't burn a hole in your pocket, or your time schedule! You'll be good to go even if you start just two days before the big day. Remember, beauty and cheer garners good luck and Goddess Laxmi's blessings for your family and friends. So happy home-making ladies, with these tips for diwali decoration in home you can't go wrong now!
Also Read:
Pre-Diwali Cleaning Hacks you Must Try
How to Celebrate Diwali in Eco Friendly Manner?
Dress Up your Kids with these Trending Styles this Diwali
Easy Diwali Card Ideas for Children Read more
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 3 months
5 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert what to do for normal delivery
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
5 hours ago
A. Yoga supposed to be really very good regular walk for at least thousand to 1500 steps per day is also going to be good containing and maintaining proper health is definitely going to be good so these are certain things that can definitely help you in a normal delivery
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. my daughter not well
infection Pus in brain and infection Pus in hip
unlimited fewers
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
4 hours ago
A. it is important to follow the instructions and medicines course given by your doctor for the problem .
they are safe if given by registered medical practitioner. do not undertake medicines or medical prrocedures not prescribed / guided by the doctor.
take a follow up in few days if it is not improving for need of treatment modification
r
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
hello Dr. I am mother of 7 months old daughter. we are doing his vaccination course from govt dispensary. last vaccination they gave when he was 5 months now they ask to come when she completed 8 months. wanted to ask is there any other vaccination due in these monthe
Read moreDr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
5 hours ago
A. yes flu vaccine and typhoid vaccine
there are multiple vaccines available in the market.
government setup gives many vaccines.
there are many vaccines which is not available at the government setup and you should get them at private setup (discuss with yourdr) eg.typhoid, hepatitis a, chickenpox, flu vaccine etc.
many times vaccines are region specific and according to the disease those vaccines has to be taken after consulting your doctor.
kindly meet your doctor who will tell you which vaccinations you can take for your child which is not available at the government setup .
also there are painless vaccine option available at private setup.
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. My doctor said that my twin babies abdominal circumference is a bit low at week 26. Is there some defect or something. I’m a bit scared if everything will be fine or not
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. probably further evaluation further ultrasound examination required. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Rashmi has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
1 hour ago
Q. Hello doctor..Am iswarya..24yrs old ..i have pcod with irregular periods since i attend puberty...without taking pills i cant get my periods....i got married before 5yrs and have no baby..lastly i got my periods before 5months..now am experiencing left lower abdominal pain..is anything serious??pls give me a suggestion
Read moreRashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. I would just recommend you that you should get it checked with the homoeopathic doctor will help you with medicines to regularise your hormones until the time you take the medication your cycle is going to be on time it would be easier for you to conceive further more I would advise you to consult a doctor in person and discuss your issue issues with that
Sunita Mahato has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. #AskTheExpert cash payment n0
Sunita Mahato
Mom of 3 children
56 mins ago
A. complete query plz
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