“Why Are They Dropping My Baby?” #science

The Moro reflex, also known as the startle reflex, is an automatic response in newborns that plays a crucial role in their first breaths after birth. When a baby experiences a sudden change in position or a loud noise, they instinctively throw out their arms, spread their fingers, and then quickly retract them. This reflex isn’t just a reaction to stimuli—it’s believed to help stimulate breathing in newborns.

During delivery, particularly after the umbilical cord is cut, the sudden change in environment can trigger the Moro reflex, encouraging the baby to inhale deeply and start independent breathing. This built-in survival mechanism ensures that newborns transition from relying on the placenta for oxygen to using their own lungs. Over time, as their nervous system matures, the reflex fades, usually disappearing by 4 to 6 months of age.

#babies #parents #interesting