Moro reflex whilst awake - 1 week old

[Mrbumpoid]

My baby is 9 days old and has started doing what appears to be a Moro reflex but whilst awake. She looks startled with arms up and tense but the difference is she goes red, it goes on for longer and she has her eyes open looking terrified. Has anyone else experienced this? Midwife comes on Monday so will ask her but just wanted to know in the meantime. It is really terrifying when it happens.

Bump

If you're concerned take her to GO don't wait on midwife. Nobody here is seeing exactly what you're seeing or how she is outside of these reflexes. If it helps keep your phone handy and try to film one.

I have absolutely no reason to say you should be concerned but anything concerning such a small baby is worth booking in ASAP.

I personally wouldn't be waiting for the midwife either TBH.

Purely from my perspective of having refluxy babies, it could be silent reflux coming up and going back down.

@Mrbumpoid
Are they repetitious?
Please view this Infantile Spasms video

and if you are at all concerned take child to a&e.

Midwife didn't seem concerned and said just keep an eye.

I'd definitely go to GP

I did this as a baby and grew out of it. But if you are concerned I would definitely get the baby checked out by your GP. They will be completely happy to check over a young baby to be on the safe side.

If it is Infantile Spasms these are a medical emergency and you would need to go to a&e.
Most healthcare professionals, including GPs are not sufficiently aware of them to recognise them and often mistake the Moro reflex and reflux for them.
Just bear this in mind.

Get it checked, could be a type of seizure - my dd presented very much like this and she now has very complex needs.

Probably wind or reflux causing baby a sudden pain which startled her. Just offer her comfort if she's upset, run her tummy or lift her upright to see if it helps. I'm sure she will grow out of it.

My first did this a lot and had reflux and allergies. He's still a sensitive and quite anxious child. My second would often look completely and utterly terrified at various things, including her own farts!

Both totally fine.