Understanding Newborn Grunting: A Common Concern For Parents

Newborns make a lot of noise, and one of the most common sounds they make is grunting. This can be worrying for new parents, but it's usually perfectly normal and nothing to be concerned about. In this article, we will explore the topic of newborn grunting, including when it is typical and when it might indicate a more serious issue. We will also discuss ways to soothe a grunting baby and help them pass stool more easily. So, how long do newborns grunt? Read on to find out!

Newborn grunting is usually related to digestion and is perfectly normal

In addition to digestion, newborn grunting can also be related to sleep. It is normal for newborns to make all sorts of sounds while sleeping, including grunting, gurgling, squeaking, and snoring. These sounds are typically nothing to worry about and are due to the newborn's respiratory and digestive systems still developing. Newborns are also learning how to regulate their breathing, which can result in brief periods of faster or slower breathing during sleep.

While most newborn grunting is normal, there are some cases where it can indicate an underlying health issue. For example, grunting can be a sign of trapped mucus, gastroesophageal reflux, or irregular breathing. If the newborn is grunting with every breath, has a fever, or appears to be in distress, it is important to seek medical attention. Additionally, if the newborn has any of the following symptoms, it may indicate difficulty breathing and requires urgent medical care:

• Regular grunting at the end of each breath
• Blue tinge in the lips or tongue
• Pauses between breaths
• Flared nostrils
• Drawing in the chest while breathing

In summary, newborn grunting is typically related to digestion as newborns learn to pass stool and is a normal part of their development. However, it is important to be aware of any accompanying symptoms to ensure that the grunting is not indicative of a more serious health issue.

Grunting can indicate a health issue, such as trapped mucus, gastroesophageal reflux, or irregular breathing

Newborn grunting is usually a normal part of their development, as they learn to pass stool and develop control over their breathing. However, grunting can sometimes indicate a more serious health issue. Here are some potential issues that newborn grunting could indicate:

Trapped Mucus

Newborns can sometimes grunt due to trapped mucus in their narrow nasal passages. This can be addressed using a nasal aspirator to clear their airways.

Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER)

Gastroesophageal reflux, or acid reflux, occurs when stomach contents rise back up into the food pipe. This can cause discomfort and grunting. It is common in infants due to their liquid diet and frequent lying-down position. GER can often be managed with lifestyle changes, such as feeding the baby little and often, feeding them more slowly, and burping them more often. If these changes do not help, or if the baby is not gaining weight, it may indicate a more severe form of GER called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which requires medical attention.

Irregular Breathing

Irregular breathing patterns are common in newborns as they develop control over their breathing. However, if the newborn shows signs of breathing difficulties, such as flaring nostrils, a blue tinge to the lips or tongue, or pauses between breaths, it could indicate a more serious breathing condition, and urgent medical attention should be sought.

While newborn grunting is usually harmless, it is important to be aware of any accompanying symptoms that could indicate a more serious health issue. If you are concerned, it is always best to seek advice from a healthcare professional.

Babies are noisy poopers and are still learning how to relax their pelvic floor

Newborns can be noisy, and it's not unusual for them to make grunting sounds. In fact, it's perfectly normal, and usually nothing to worry about.

Babies are noisy poopers, and this is because they are still learning how to relax their pelvic floor and use their abdominal muscles to help them move their bowels quietly. This is sometimes called Grunting Baby Syndrome (GBS). It can also be caused by constipation, which can be helped by giving your baby more water or fruit juice, although you should always check with your doctor first.

Babies are still developing the muscle strength needed to pass stool, and they haven't yet figured out how to relax their anus while pushing with their abdomen. This is something they will learn over time, through trial and error. In the meantime, they will grunt as they get used to having bowel movements. This usually stops by the time they are a few months old.

If your baby is grunting and straining, their head may turn purple or red in colour, and this can last for several minutes. This is not the same as constipation, and your baby's system is working correctly. They just haven't figured out how to move the stool through.

If your baby is grunting with every breath, has a fever, or appears to be in distress, you should seek medical advice. This could be a sign of a more serious respiratory problem and needs immediate attention.

Grunting during sleep is normal and can be caused by dreaming or bowel movements

Newborns can make grunting sounds at different times of the day and night, and this is usually perfectly normal. Grunting during sleep is common and can be caused by dreaming or bowel movements.

Newborns tend to grunt as they get used to having bowel movements. Doctors sometimes refer to this as grunting baby syndrome. Their abdominal muscles are not yet strong enough to relax the pelvic floor and use the stomach muscles to apply pressure to move stool through the gut. Instead, they use their diaphragm muscle to move their bowel, and as they exercise the diaphragm, it can put pressure on the voice box, resulting in grunting.

Grunting during sleep can also be caused by dreaming. Newborns can spend up to 50% of their sleep in memory-boosting REM sleep, a lighter sleep where they are in a more active sleep state. This sleep state can be accompanied by eye-fluttering, an elevated heart rate, wiggles, squirms, and outbursts of various noises, like cries, whines, and whimpers.

While grunting during sleep is usually normal, it can sometimes be a sign of something more serious. If a newborn is grunting with every breath, has a fever, or appears to be in distress, it is important to seek medical advice. Grunting with every breath could be a sign of respiratory distress, and other signs to look out for include a blue tinge to the lips or tongue, pauses between breaths, flaring nostrils, and drawing in of the chest during breathing.

If your baby is grunting with every breath, has a fever, or appears to be in distress, seek medical attention

It's important to remember that newborn grunting is usually related to digestion and is perfectly normal. Your baby is simply getting used to digestion and bowel movements, and they may have gas or pressure in their stomach that makes them uncomfortable.

However, if your baby is grunting with every breath, has a fever, or appears to be in distress, it is crucial to seek medical attention. This grunting may indicate a more serious respiratory problem or another underlying condition, and it needs immediate attention. Here are some potential causes and further details to consider:

Respiratory Distress

Grunting with every breath could be a sign of respiratory distress. This may be accompanied by other signs such as a fast breathing rate, bluish discoloration around the mouth or fingernails, nasal flaring, chest retractions, wheezing, or a relentless cough. These symptoms indicate that your baby is having difficulty breathing and requires urgent medical care.

Other Potential Causes

• Meningitis: In addition to grunting, symptoms of meningitis in a newborn can include floppiness of the body, skin blotches, or a rash.
• Sepsis: Also known as blood poisoning, sepsis can cause grunting, along with floppiness of the body and pauses of more than 10 seconds between breaths.
• Heart Failure: Grunting, along with symptoms like an inability to gain weight, falling asleep during feedings, coughing, and lung congestion, could indicate heart failure.
• Acid Reflux: While mostly normal, infant acid reflux can be a concern if paired with symptoms like failure to gain weight, frequent forceful vomiting, blood in the stool, or unusual-coloured spit-up.
• Constipation: If your baby is grunting and experiencing constipation, with hard bowel movements and crying during diaper changes, consult your doctor.

What to Do

If your baby is grunting with every breath, has a fever, or shows any signs of distress, seek medical attention immediately. The doctor will likely use an X-ray or other diagnostic tools to determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment.

Frequently asked questions