Is it normal for newborn babies to have bent legs?
It is possible for newborn babies to have bent legs as a normal phenomenon, but it could also be caused by abnormal conditions such as developmental delay or cerebral palsy.
1. Normal phenomenon
Newborn babies often have legs in a flexed position due to their young age and high muscle tone. This condition typically improves gradually with age and is considered a normal physiological occurrence.
2. Developmental delay
If a newborn's legs remain persistently flexed, this may be due to developmental delay. The muscle tone does not improve timely, resulting in prolonged tension.
3. Cerebral palsy
In patients with cerebral palsy, brain injury often leads to abnormally increased muscle tone, which can cause the symptom of bent legs.
When a newborn exhibits bent legs, parents are advised to closely monitor changes in the infant. If the symptom persists over time, prompt medical evaluation is recommended to determine the underlying cause and initiate appropriate treatment.