Newborn Twitching???

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Yes, it is normal! My girl (born the morning after her due date) started doing this when she was about 2 weeks old. The first time she did it, we were at a Christmas party with a LOT of people and it totally freaked me out! Both arms and legs would twitch several times, then stop. A few minutes later, it happened again. I went on for maybe an hour then just stopped. It mostly seemed to happen when we were in a "busy" environment (lots of noise, people, lights, etc), but did happen during quiet times at home sometimes, too. By the time she was about 6 weeks old, it never happened again.

Take a deep breath... you're only 1 week in... there will be many more moments like this... Good luck!

My son did this too when he was an infant. He did it maybe a couple of times the first month. He was perfectly healthy:) Some kids who are born on time still experience this as well. My niece and nephew did it and they were not early. Just keep your eye on her. She will be fine:) It scared me the first time it happend too. Congrats on your new baby!

My husband and my son (7yo) both twitch in their sleep, especially right when they fall asleep. (It is how I know my husband has fallen asleep, actually.) So it's normal to me.... if it's not, uhoh!

It is normal for newborns to twitch and jump (as though they've been startled) when they are sleeping. Both of mine did this and it lasts for about 4-6 weeks. Congratulations on your baby!!

Hi V.,

I remember my son did this for the first few weeks... we noticed him twitching in his sleep, and I think it continued on occasionally for a few months. Our pediatrician said it was nothing to worry about, and it did stop on its own.

Best,

Nessa

When you speak with your pediatrician's office next, please ask them about getting a copy of "Your Baby's First Year" - it should be free from the office from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

I read it cover to cover with my first child - it really helped me better understand some of the nuances of having a baby for the first time, what to get concerned about and what was more "normal".

Good luck! Hope you're thoroughly enjoying that baby.

If this is the Moro Reflex (it sounds like it to me) it is completely normal and doesn't have anything to do with your baby being early. My son was 3 days late and had it regularly until he was 3 months old, occasionally until he was about 6 months old! Do some research to find out if this is what you're seeing or if it is something else - but if it's the Moro Reflex, I would be a little concerned that your doctor raised the alarm instead of reassuring you. I've never known a baby that didn't go through this.

She also could be dreaming.

I think most babies do this. If they are swaddled tightly, they will twitch and act surprised alot.

Just her neurological system growing. Enjoy it. My 3 year old twitched during a nap and it brought back so many baby memories, that I was so happy to see it because it goes away. :)

My hubby still twitches in his sleep. :-) I think that as long as it doesn't get worse it isn't really something to worry about. Congrats on the new addition. Good luck.

Hi V.,

My son did this when he was a couple months old right after waking up. Once his arm did a funny twitching and then another time it was his leg. Both occurances happened within a week or two of one another. I panicked and went to the doctor who referred us to a specialist who had us do an CT scan.

It was nothing. He was (is) perfectly healthy.

I don't think it's terribly uncommon. My son's eyes didn't roll back in his head nor was he twitching or convulsing in other areas of his body. That was sort of the main thing they would have been concerned about. We got the CT scan because it happened more than once.

Just keep an eye on her (as if you're not already!!) and try not to worry too much. I know that I couldn't eat or sleep until we found out the results so it's pretty pointless telling you not to worry, but I am sure that she will be fine!