North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam

How long does the moro reflex typically last in a newborn?

1. Up to 2 months

2. Up to 4 months

3. Up to 6 months

4. Up to 12 months

The correct answer is: Up to 4 months

The Moro reflex, also known as the startle reflex, is a primitive reflex observed in newborns. This reflex typically lasts from birth until about 4 months of age. During this time, if a baby feels as though they are falling or hears a loud sound, they will instinctively throw their arms outwards and then quickly bring them back to their body, often accompanied by crying. Understanding the timeline is important, as the Moro reflex is a key indicator of normal neurological development in infants. By around 4 months, infants typically begin to gain more control over their movements, and reflexive responses like the Moro reflex start to diminish as they become more voluntary in their reactions. This reduction in reflexive responses signifies growth in the infant's motor and neurological development. In summary, the Moro reflex is expected to last up to 4 months, making it the correct choice for this question.