OB - Reflexes

Palmar and Plantar Grasp Reflex

Place a finger in the palm or parallel to the toes, the digits will wrap around the finger and hold on. The grasp should be bilterally equal and strong.

Sucking Reflex

Place a gloved finger in the newborn's mouth to determine the strength of the suck, should be strong

Babinski Sign

trace a firm object from the heel along the lateral aspect of the food up and across the ball of the foot. If the newborn's toes fan out and hyperextend and the foot dorsiflexes, it is a positive sign (normal)

Moro Reflex

"Startle Reflex" when the newborn is startled, they will extend their arms and legs from the body and to the side. The arms come back toward each other with the fingers spread in a C shape. The arms look as if the newborn is trying to embrace something. Should be symmetrical.

Stepping Reflex

Support the newborn in standing position on a hard surface, they will lift the legs up and down in a stepping motion.

Rooting Reflex

Gently stroking the newborn's cheek will cause the newborn to turn toward the touch with an open mouth

Tonic Neck Reflex

Newborn lying on their back, turn the head to one side without moving the rest of the body. The newborn will respond by extending the arm and leg on the side they are facing and flexing the opposite arm and leg.