Inside the uterus your baby has developed a strong grasp reflex.
The grip is so strong after birth that it could support your
baby's weight. This grasp reflex persists until your baby is
about six months old; she will then have more choice over
whether to grasp an object or not. Interestingly, your baby also
has a similar reflex in the foot. This is the "plantar reflex"
and it causes the toes to attempt to curl around your finger if
the sole of the foot is stroked. The plantar reflex takes
slightly longer to disappear after birth, typically persisting
until 12 months of age. Another reflex action causes the toes to
spread out if the side of the foot is stroked. These reflexes
and others seem to be quite primitive in nature and although
they are thought to protect the baby, the precise function of
each reflex is not fully understood. Could owls give us an
insight into pregnancy and birth? It's doubtful, but these myths
are entertaining! Second labors are usually shorter in duration
than first labors. This usua