Sucking Reflex
Introduction[edit | edit source]
The sucking reflex is said to be seen in utero by the third month of fetal life so that by the end of gestation it can be put to use.[1]
It is considered an appropriate feeding response in newborns.[2]
The rooting reflex and sucking reflex work together in order to feed the infant.[3]
Incidence and Prevalence[edit | edit source]
In a research conducted by Paulson and Gottlieb, 53% of adult patients showed the presence of a sucking reflex.[4]
In a study conducted by Brown et al, 240 healthy young adults were studied in which they found that 3% of the population had a sucking reflex.[5]
Stimulus[edit | edit source]
Stroking the central part above the upper lip.[6] OR Stimulation of the palate with the help of the nipple during breastfeeding.[3]
Response[edit | edit source]
Pursing the lips [6]around the inserted object ( finger or nipple)
Duration[edit | edit source]
Is seen from 13-16 weeks during gestation and disintegrates by 12 months of age.[7]
Clinical Relevance[edit | edit source]
- The presence of sucking pads around the vermillion border of the lips of infants is associated with an effective sucking reflex.[8]
- The newborn babies of smoking mothers tend to show delayed sucking responses.[9]
- Sucking and swallowing are present in utero from 13-16 weeks and these mechanisms are considered an important precursor to respiration and deglutition.[7]
- Breastfeeding commences with the help of both sucking and rooting reflex followed by swallowing reflex.[3]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Smith WL, Erenberg A, Nowak A, Franken Jr EA. Physiology of sucking in the normal term infant using real-time US. Radiology. 1985 Aug;156(2):379-81.
- ↑ Schott JM, Rossor MN. The grasp and other primitive reflexes. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry. 2003 May 1;74(5):558-60.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Woolridge MW. The ‘anatomy’of infant sucking. Midwifery. 1986 Dec 1;2(4):164-71.
- ↑ PAULSON G, GOTTLIEB G. Development reflexes: the reappearance of foetal and neonatal reflexes in aged patients. Brain. 1968 Mar 1;91(1):37-52.
- ↑ Brown DL, Smith TL, Knepper LE. Evaluation of five primitive reflexes in 240 young adults. Neurology. 1998 Jul 1;51(1):322-.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Chandradasa M, Rathnayake L. Retained primitive reflexes in children, clinical implications and targeted home-based interventions. Nursing Children and Young People. 2022 Jan 6;34(1).
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Feştilă D, Ghergie M, Muntean A, Matiz D, ŞERBǍNESCU A. Suckling and non-nutritive sucking habit: what should we know?. Clujul medical. 2014;87(1):11.
- ↑ Hendrik HD. Sucking-pads and primitive sucking reflex. Journal of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine. 2013 Jan 1;6(4):281-3.
- ↑ Cutajar K. The effects of smoking on pregnancy and breastfeeding.
