Startle Reflex or something else??

[jbrooke]

I have a 2 month old daughter who is healthy, meeting developmental milestones appropriately, breastfed, etc. This week we are staying with my in-laws due to power outages and this is a "new" environment for her. Two days ago we were in the living room and my daughter was laying on the floor on her back. My husband and i were laying with her playing/talking and she was smiling and happy. There is a large ceiling fan above and my daughter has taken interest-staring and smiling at it from time to time. My husband and I got up from the floor and walked away (I was getting something off of the table and my husband sat on the couch-out of my daughter's view). All of a sudden I turned around and my daughter immediately shot her arms and legs out, eyes became big (terrified looking) and she started screaming bloody murder. I immediately ran to her and picked her up, trying to console her. She cried for a good 2 minutes and eventually calmed down. It really freaked us out because we had never heard her cry like that, and she looked really scared. After she calmed down her behaviors were normal. Today the same thing happened but not as intense. Same situation. She was laying on the floor pretty much in the same spot, and I changed her diaper. She was fine/happy-but as soon as I got up to throw the diaper away (leaving her side) I heard her begin to cry and as I was walking back over to her she did the same thing-arms/legs out (like the startle reflex) and she starting screaming. I quickly again picked her up and she cried for a few minutes but eventually fell asleep in my arms. Is she just being startled/scared of possibly the cieling fan and being alone? I called my pediatrician and she said that it sounds like there is nothing to worry about based on my description, but to keep an eye out and if it becomes frequent and if she presents that way for a longer time period (arms/legs out screaming for like a minute or more) than I should contact her (possible seizures?) but she didn't think it sounded like this. She drew it up to possible startling and the unfamiliar environment alone. I just wanted to see if anyone else had experienced this or had knowledge to share:). I am a new mom and am new at all of this:). Thank you, J

[Adaline'sMama]

I wouldnt worry too much She is probably just wondering where you went!

[wehrli]

overstimulation? it happens like a switch, sometimes... she may have gotten upset even if you didn't walk away, coincidence maybe? or maybe the overstim and losing sight of you?? i'm sure it's normal...