Why Do Newborns Tremble or Shiver?

Update Date: 2024-06-17 Source: Network

When a newborn baby joins the family, everyone will pay special attention to caring for the little one. As newborns are still very fragile and need meticulous care to grow up gradually, it is common to observe certain phenomena during the process of caring for them. One such phenomenon is the baby's tendency to tremble or shake occasionally. If this occurs within the first 4-6 months of the baby's life, it is generally considered normal. This is because the nervous system of newborns is still developing and imperfect, resulting in reflexive tremors.

Causes of Trembling in Newborns

Due to the incomplete development of the central nervous system, newborns may exhibit primitive reflexes within the first 4 to 6 months. One such reflex is the Moro reflex, where the baby opens its arms wide and then folds them back in response to loud noises or being suddenly startled.
Sometimes, newborns may exhibit trembling or shaking movements. In such, cases it is important to check for hypoglycemia. When hypoglycemia occurs, the baby may have difficulty feeding, display trembling or even convulsions, and some may even, experience respiratory pauses.
Another possible cause of trembling in newborns is seizures, which can be triggered by various factors such as central nervous system infections, epilepsy and so on. These conditions require detailed medical examination for accurate diagnosis.

Management of Trembling in Newborns

If the baby trembles while sleeping, it is advisable to place them on their side and remove any potential hazards from the surrounding area to avoid collisions.
During trembling episodes, parents should loosen the baby's clothing, raise their head, and ensure the respiratory tract remains unobstructed.
If the baby's trembling is accompanied by eye tremor, repeated blinking, screaming, or facial muscle contractions, parents should seek immediate medical attention.
If the baby's trembling or convulsions persist for more than ten minutes, or if the baby becomes unconscious, emergency medical treatment should be sought immediately.