Newborn Stomach Growling: What's Normal And What's Not?

It is perfectly normal for newborns to have stomach issues. In fact, stomach issues are very common in children, with almost all children saying my stomach hurts at least once in their childhood. These issues are usually not serious and can be due to a variety of factors such as feeding issues, anxiety, or infectious diseases. One common issue is an upset stomach, which can cause newborns' stomachs to growl, rumble, and gurgle. This is usually due to gas or pressure in the stomach, and newborns simply need to get used to their new digestive system. While most stomach noises are normal, if your baby is grunting with every breath, has a fever, or appears to be in distress, it is important to seek medical attention as it could be a sign of a more serious issue.

Stomach gurgling in newborns is usually normal

It is perfectly normal for newborns to have stomach gurgling, growling, and grumbling noises. These sounds are usually related to digestion and can be quite loud. Newborns are still learning how to move food through their intestines, and the noises are often accompanied by gas or pressure in the stomach. It is important to note that these noises do not cause pain or crying. In most cases, stomach gurgling is a normal and harmless sound that indicates the movement of food through the intestines.

While stomach gurgling is typically harmless, it is important to monitor your newborn for any signs of discomfort or distress. If your baby is gassy or working on a bowel movement, you can try doing bicycle legs and exercises to help them pass gas. Additionally, burping your baby after feeding can help release swallowed air and prevent gas buildup.

Most stomach issues in newborns are not serious, but it is always a good idea to consult your paediatrician if you have any concerns. They can provide guidance and reassurance, especially if the stomach gurgling is accompanied by other symptoms such as fussiness or discomfort.

In rare cases, stomach gurgling in newborns can be a sign of a more serious medical condition. If your baby is grunting with every breath, has a fever, or appears to be in distress, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. These could be signs of respiratory distress or other serious illnesses.

It can indicate food passing through the intestines

It is normal for newborns to have stomach noises, and these are usually related to digestion. Gurgling noises typically indicate food passing through the intestines. Newborns are still learning how to move food through their digestive system, and they may experience gas or pressure in their stomachs that can cause discomfort. However, stomach noises are generally harmless and not a cause for concern.

Gurgling noises in newborns are often a result of the movement of food through the intestines. This is a normal part of the digestive process, and it is not usually a cause for worry. In most cases, newborns are simply getting used to their mother's milk or formula, and their immature nervous systems are still developing. It is common for newborns to have gas or pressure in their stomachs, which can cause discomfort. However, it is important to monitor your newborn's behaviour to ensure that the stomach noises are not accompanied by other symptoms that may indicate a more serious issue.

While stomach growling is usually harmless, it can sometimes indicate a problem with digestion or feeding. For example, if your newborn is frequently spitting up, it could be a sign of reflux, overfeeding, or inadequate burping. It is important to pay attention to any changes in your newborn's behaviour or feeding patterns and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns. Additionally, if stomach growling is accompanied by fussiness or signs of discomfort, it may be a sign of gas or other digestive issues. In such cases, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for advice and guidance.

Stomach noises in newborns can be quite loud and vary in frequency. These noises are typically normal and not a cause for concern. However, if you are concerned about the volume or frequency of your newborn's stomach noises, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional. They can provide guidance and advice tailored to your specific situation. It is always better to be cautious and seek professional advice if you have any doubts or concerns about your newborn's health and well-being.

In most cases, stomach growling in newborns is a normal and harmless occurrence that indicates food passing through the intestines. However, it is important to be vigilant and consult a healthcare professional if you notice any accompanying symptoms or changes in your newborn's behaviour or feeding patterns. By seeking appropriate advice and guidance, you can ensure the well-being and healthy development of your newborn.

It can be caused by gas or feeding issues

It is normal for newborns' stomachs to growl, rumble, and gurgle. These sounds are usually harmless and indicate the movement of food through the intestines. While these noises can be loud and occur frequently, they are typically not a cause for concern.

However, stomach growling in newborns can sometimes be caused by gas or feeding issues. Gas is a common issue for newborns, and it can lead to stomach growling, gassiness, and discomfort. This can be due to overeating, indigestion, or sensitivity to certain foods. Overfeeding can also cause spitting up, frequent gas, or reflux. In some cases, it may be necessary to adjust the feeding method or frequency to address these issues.

If you are concerned about your newborn's stomach growling, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide guidance and advice tailored to your baby's specific needs.

• Burp your baby frequently during and after feedings.
• Try using gas drops before feedings to help reduce gas buildup.
• Avoid overfeeding and feed more frequently in smaller amounts to prevent reflux and spitting up.
• If your baby is formula-fed, try switching to a different formula to see if that improves digestion.
• Bicycle legs and other exercises can help your baby pass gas and reduce discomfort.

It can be caused by anxiety

A newborn's stomach growling is usually normal and often indicates that food is passing through the intestines. However, it can sometimes be a sign of tummy troubles, such as gas or constipation, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including anxiety.

Anxiety is a common cause of stomach problems in children, especially stomach aches, according to Victoria Regan, M.D., a pediatrician with Children's Memorial Hermann Pediatrics. While anxiety may not be the first thing parents think of when they hear their newborn's stomach growling, it could be a contributing factor, especially if the baby is experiencing other signs of discomfort or distress.

Anxiety in newborns can manifest in various ways and may be related to their environment or any significant changes they are experiencing. For example, a newborn may feel anxious if they are exposed to loud noises, bright lights, or excessive stimulation. They may also experience separation anxiety when they are away from their primary caregivers. Additionally, any changes in their routine, such as a new feeding schedule or sleeping arrangement, could trigger feelings of anxiety.

If you suspect that your newborn's stomach growling is related to anxiety, it is important to provide a calm and soothing environment for them. This may include creating a quiet and comfortable space, reducing stimulation, and ensuring they feel secure and loved. You can also try holding and rocking your baby, speaking to them gently, or using white noise or soft music to help soothe them.

In some cases, addressing the underlying anxiety triggers and providing a supportive environment may be enough to help ease your newborn's tummy troubles. However, if the issue persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is always best to consult with your paediatrician, who can provide further guidance and recommendations tailored to your baby's needs.

It can be treated with medication or home remedies

Stomach growling in newborns is usually a normal part of digestion. However, if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, constipation, or diarrhoea, it may indicate an underlying medical issue. In such cases, it is important to seek medical advice.

If stomach growling is not related to any serious medical condition, there are several home remedies and lifestyle changes that can help reduce the symptoms:

Home Remedies

• Drinking a glass of water can help, especially if eating is not possible at the time. Water aids digestion and fills the stomach, preventing or muffling stomach growling.
• Eating a small meal or snack can temporarily reduce stomach noises. Having food in the stomach also lowers the volume of stomach growling.
• Chewing food thoroughly and eating slowly can prevent stomach growling linked to indigestion. This also reduces the amount of air swallowed, preventing gas and digestive distress.
• Peppermint tea with honey can help relax the muscles of the digestive tract and reduce stomach discomfort.
• Fennel and carom seed tea can help alleviate gas and bloating, which can lead to stomach growling.
• Ginger and fennel seed tea can relieve gastrointestinal contractions and digestive discomfort due to their carminative properties.
• Plain, unsweetened curd with roasted cumin powder, rock salt, and black pepper can help regulate digestion and ease stomach discomfort.

Lifestyle Changes

• Limit sugar, alcohol, and acidic foods as they can trigger stomach noises. Sugars, such as fructose and sorbitol, are especially problematic.
• Avoid gas-producing foods and drinks, such as apples and bananas.
• Identify and address food intolerances. For example, lactose intolerance can be managed by avoiding dairy products or taking lactase supplements.
• Practise portion control, as stomach noises may become more noticeable after eating large meals, especially those rich in fats, sugars, and red meats.
• Going for a walk after meals can aid digestion and speed up stomach emptying, reducing stomach rumbling.

Frequently asked questions