The child is in the uterus, "curled up" (in the fetal position). Therefore, during the first month of his life after childbirth, he tries to bend the legs and arms as it was in the womb.
In the newborn, the feet are located at right angles to the legs, the hands are cams, and the baby's hips are slightly divorced. At the same time, the legs and arms of the newborn are relatively difficult to straighten, resistance is felt in his muscles. Such a state in mild manifestation is called normotonus (tone). In the legs, the extension resistance is higher than in the handles. In some cases, the condition of the newborn can cause parental anxiety. In this case, too strong muscle tone (hypertonicity) is determined . This condition is a violation of a neurological nature. Upon reaching six months, as a rule, the tone begins to decline. During this time, of course, a correction is necessary.
The tone is called the necessary muscle tension. With its help, maintaining the position of the body and movements is provided. In the conditions of the correct ratio of the tone of different muscles, the correct economical movement is ensured.
Hypertonicity in a child can manifest itself in too strong pressing of the legs and arms to the body. Unbending them can be quite difficult. In this case, muscle hypertonicity is accompanied by the baby's irritability in response to sounds and light, while he begins to cry, throw his head back.
The main factors contributing to the development of this condition in newborns, mainly include circulatory disorders in the uterus. These violations are often caused by the pregnant woman’s bad habits - smoking and alcohol abuse. In addition, muscle hypertonicity after childbirth can develop due to chronic diseases, gestosis in a pregnant woman, as well as pathological childbirth. All these conditions contribute to the development of hypoxia (lack of oxygen) in the fetus and, as a result, neurological disorders.
Muscle hypertonicity does not indicate the general condition of the newborn, but a local symptom. Therefore, when doctors talk about him, they specify where the manifestation is stronger. In the case of undetected localization, it is said that muscle hypertonicity is diagnosed in both legs and arms.
You can determine the condition by taking the newborn under the armpits and lifting it above the changing table in an upright position. With hypertonicity, the baby will stand on tiptoe or tighten its legs. For children starting to walk, tiptoe support is not the norm.
In addition to hypertonicity, there is a hypotonic muscle of the newborn. This condition is characterized by a decrease in tone in the limbs. It should be noted that in medical practice there are a lot of cases when muscular dystonia is detected . In this condition, the tone of the legs can be higher, and the handles - lower. With hypotension, the limbs of the newborn are sluggish, with extension, weak muscle resistance or its complete absence is felt.
A neurologist should conduct a neurological examination of the baby. A specialist, in case of any suspicion, can prescribe the necessary examination.
It should be noted that the treatment of hypertension is not an elimination of the symptom. Therapeutic measures are mainly aimed at identifying and eliminating the causes of the development of a pathological condition. As a rule, a circulatory disturbance is a provoking factor. This leads to the appointment of drugs that improve the blood supply to the brain, metabolic processes in nerve tissues and muscles.
To correct the condition, massage is used. This procedure is considered one of the most convenient, effective and enjoyable methods of eliminating impaired muscle tone in newborns.