Moro Reflex
Alternate Names : Embrace Reflex, Startle Reflex, Startle Response
DefinitionMoro reflex is a primitive reflex that is present at birth and typically disappears in the first few months of life. (See also infantile reflexes.)
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Overview & Considerations
The Moro reflex may be demonstrated by placing the infant face up on a soft, padded surface. The head is gently lifted with enough traction to just begin to remove the body weight from the pad (Note: the infant's body should not be lifted off the pad, only the weight removed).
The head is then released suddenly, allowed to fall backward momentarily, but quickly supported again (not allowed to bang on the padding). The infant may have a "startled" look, and the arms fling out sideways with the palms up and the thumbs flexed. As the reflex ends the infant draws the arms back to the body, elbows flexed, and then relaxes.
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