Is my newborn having seizures?

[nonamemummy]

A couple of times over the last two days my newborn has all of a sudden jerked her head back, gasped like she can’t breath then immediately cried after. I’m worried it may be a seizure? Please has anyone else experienced this?

Newborn with concerns phone your midwife, gp or A&E today

It sounds like the startle reflex, which is perfectly normal but speak to your midwife or health visitor to be on the safe side.

@R0ckandHardPlace Startle reflex is caused by a sudden noise or movement isn’t it? She done this at 5am when there was no noise or anyone else around. I will speak to my health visitor though

Newborn breathing patterns can be so scary! I remember after I’d had my first, drawing a midwife’s attention to my newborn to check what was going on and she snapped that I was ‘looking for problems’ (horrible lady- I was a teen mum) which is how I remember. There were a couple of other heart-in-mouth moments with his siblings. Hope this gives you a bit of reassurance but of course, mention it to the health visitor or at the doctor’s for that extra (professional) advice

Speak to a health professional asap. If you can capture what your baby is doing in a video, it can be helpful for them to see exactly what is happening.

I know I should try and film it but it’s over in about 30 seconds and there’s no signs it’s about to happen

I'm an x neonatal nurse and watched my very newborn grandson twitching and jerking. Deep down I sort of knew it was normal but I'm not a Dr so suggested to my DD that she should mention it to her midwife who got the Dr to come into the room.. everything was ok and he stopped very soon after..he is now 4mths and totally fine..
But if you are worried or even unsure get advice.

My child had seizures as a baby. When I told the midwife my concerns she initially laughed and said all babies jerk their legs. I would advise you to video them (I know it can be difficult as you don't know when they are going to happen) When you are seen by a doctor the first thing they will want to see is videos of it happening. My child was initially diagnosed with infantile spasms which they said was very common and they would grow out of. It wasn't this, they were diagnosed with something very rare at 4 months old.
My advice would be to seek medical advice even if it's just to put your mind at ease.

Dalmationspots.

we also had very similar experience in the family with a diagnosis at 5 months after several tests including genetic testing