
A newborn baby's digestive system is still developing, and they may experience tummy troubles as their body learns to digest food efficiently. Stomach issues are common in newborns and usually not serious. However, it can be stressful for parents and uncomfortable for the baby, resulting in sleepless nights. One common issue is a growling stomach, which can be caused by various factors such as feeding issues, infectious diseases, or anxiety. It is important to monitor your newborn's symptoms and seek medical advice if you are concerned.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Stomach issues in newborns | Common |
Reasons for stomach issues | Feeding issues, anxiety, infectious diseases |
Stomach issues | Stomach pain, gas, burping, spitting up, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea |
Treatment for stomach issues | Simethicone, alpha-galactosidase, lactase supplement, baby massage, exercise, feeding adaptations, nutrition, medication |
When to see a doctor | Persistent vomiting, blood in stool, poor weight gain, fever, lethargy |
What You'll Learn
- Feeding issues: Overfeeding, inadequate burping, or reflux may cause stomach growling
- Digestive system development: Newborns may struggle to digest milk or formula, leading to trapped gas
- Swallowing air: Crying or feeding may cause air swallowing, resulting in stomach gurgling
- Milk or soy allergy: Allergens in milk or soy can irritate the digestive tract, causing discomfort
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): More severe than acid reflux, with intense and prolonged symptoms
Feeding issues: Overfeeding, inadequate burping, or reflux may cause stomach growling
A newborn baby's stomach growling after feeding could be due to feeding issues such as overfeeding, inadequate burping, or reflux.
Overfeeding
Overfeeding can cause a baby to spit up frequently, be gassy, or have reflux. This can happen if the baby's digestive system is still developing and struggling to break down milk or formula efficiently, leading to trapped gas. Excessive gas can also occur if the baby swallows air while crying or feeding.
Inadequate burping
Inadequate burping can lead to spit-up or vomiting after feeding. It is important to position the baby upright after feeding to help reduce the amount of stomach acid that travels back up the oesophagus.
Reflux
Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux (GER), occurs when a baby's stomach contents back up into their oesophagus. This is common during a baby's first year as their oesophageal sphincter, the muscle that keeps food down, is still developing. Reflux can cause discomfort and spitting up or vomiting after feedings. In some cases, it may be accompanied by other symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, or blood in the spit-up.
If you suspect any of these feeding issues, it is important to consult your paediatrician for advice and guidance on how to address them. They may suggest feeding adaptations, such as reducing the volume of feeds and increasing the frequency, or recommend keeping the baby in an upright position after feeding. In some cases, medication may be suggested to help with severe gas or constipation.
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Digestive system development: Newborns may struggle to digest milk or formula, leading to trapped gas
A newborn baby's digestive system is still developing, and they may experience tummy troubles as they learn to digest food efficiently. One of the most common reasons for infant tummy cramps is the baby's struggle to break down milk or formula, which can lead to trapped gas. This can cause discomfort and result in symptoms such as extra fussiness, a red face, grunting, and the baby pulling their legs towards their chest.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) notes that excessive gas can also occur if the baby swallows air while crying or feeding. With gas buildup, it is important to look out for signs of distress in the baby, such as a red face and grunting. In addition to gas, constipation can also lead to abdominal cramps in newborns. As the baby's body adjusts to digesting milk or formula, their stools may become harder and less frequent, making it challenging for them to pass waste.
To help relieve constipation, you can try tummy massage or bicycle kicks to stimulate the baby's digestive system and help move things along. It is also important to ensure that the baby is taking in enough fluids and getting adequate fibre in their diet. In some cases, a paediatrician may recommend a prebiotic or probiotic to provide additional digestive support.
If you are concerned about your newborn's stomach growling or other tummy troubles, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide guidance and advice tailored to your baby's specific needs and rule out any more serious conditions.
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Swallowing air: Crying or feeding may cause air swallowing, resulting in stomach gurgling
It is not uncommon for newborns to experience tummy troubles as their digestive system is still developing. One of the reasons for a newborn's stomach to growl after feeding is swallowing air while crying or feeding. This can lead to trapped gas, causing discomfort and stomach gurgling.
Stomach gurgling in newborns is usually normal and often indicates that food is passing through the intestines. However, if accompanied by other symptoms such as fussiness or signs of discomfort, it may indicate gas buildup. Excessive gas can cause a newborn to become fussy, have a red face, grunt, or pull their legs towards their chest.
To alleviate gas discomfort, parents can try several remedies at home. One method is to perform a baby massage, moving the air in the stomach to help gas escape. Another technique is to do gentle, passive exercises with the baby, such as bicycling their legs or extending and scrunching their legs together.
Feeding adaptations can also help. Reducing the volume of feeds by feeding smaller amounts more frequently gives the baby's digestive system a break. Keeping the baby in an upright position immediately after feeding can also help reduce the amount of stomach acid that travels back up the oesophagus.
If you are concerned about your newborn's stomach growling or if other symptoms accompany it, it is always best to consult your paediatrician for specific advice and guidance.
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Milk or soy allergy: Allergens in milk or soy can irritate the digestive tract, causing discomfort
A newborn's stomach growling is usually a normal occurrence, indicating that food is passing through the intestines. However, if accompanied by fussiness or other signs of discomfort, it may indicate gas or other tummy troubles. One possible cause of stomach issues in newborns is a milk or soy allergy, which can irritate and cause discomfort in the digestive tract.
Milk or soy allergies in newborns can lead to abdominal cramps and irritation of the digestive tract. The allergens in milk or soy can trigger an immune response, causing the body to react as if it were fighting a disease-producing microorganism. This reaction can result in discomfort and irritation in the digestive tract, leading to symptoms such as excessive crying, vomiting, skin rashes, gagging, refusal to feed, failure to gain weight, or bloody stools.
The prevalence of soy allergies is higher in young children, with infants and toddlers being the most susceptible. Soy is a common ingredient in infant formulas and processed foods, making it a significant concern for parents. A soy allergy causes the immune system to overreact to soy proteins, leading to symptoms such as stomach problems, coughing, and itching. In severe cases, a soy allergy may even cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction requiring immediate medical attention.
Milk allergies are also common in newborns and can cause similar digestive issues. The proteins in milk can irritate the digestive tract, leading to abdominal cramps and discomfort. Symptoms of a milk allergy may include excessive crying, vomiting, skin rashes, and bloody stools. In some cases, newborns may be allergic to both cow's milk and soy protein, requiring a careful elimination of both from their diet.
If you suspect that your newborn has a milk or soy allergy, it is essential to consult with a pediatrician or allergist. They can help diagnose the issue through tests and provide guidance on dietary changes or treatments to alleviate your baby's tummy troubles.
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Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): More severe than acid reflux, with intense and prolonged symptoms
A newborn baby's stomach growling is usually nothing to worry about. It could be a sign of hunger or a preparation to pass stool. However, it could also indicate that your baby is swallowing excess air during feedings or has a milk or soy intolerance.
If your baby is experiencing stomach growling accompanied by other symptoms such as fussiness, irritability, or passing gas more than usual, it could be a sign of acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
GERD is a more severe form of acid reflux, characterised by intense and prolonged symptoms. It occurs when the muscle at the bottom of the oesophagus weakens, allowing stomach acid to flow back up into the oesophagus. This can cause a range of symptoms, including:
- Heartburn, an uncomfortable burning sensation in the chest
- Acid reflux, where stomach acid backs up into the mouth, causing an unpleasant sour taste
- Oesophagitis, a sore and inflamed oesophagus
- Bloating and belching
- Feeling or being sick
- Pain when swallowing and/or difficulty swallowing
- A sore throat and hoarseness
- A persistent cough or wheezing
- Tooth decay and gum disease
If your baby is displaying any of these symptoms, it is important to consult your paediatrician or healthcare provider. They may recommend lifestyle changes, medication, or, in some cases, surgery to correct the problem.
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Frequently asked questions
A newborn's stomach may growl due to hunger, or as a sign of preparing to pass a stool. It could also be a result of swallowing excess air during feedings, or a milk or soy intolerance.
Fussiness, irritability, passing gas more than usual, acid reflux, vomiting, constipation or diarrhoea are all signs that your newborn may be experiencing a stomach ache.
There are a few things you can try at home to help your baby with a stomach ache. Baby massage, for example, can help your baby pass trapped gas. You can also try gentle exercises like bicycling their legs, or keeping them upright for 30 minutes after feeding to reduce reflux.
If the growling is accompanied by other symptoms such as fussiness, discomfort, bloating, pain, or changes in stool, it may indicate a more serious issue. If you notice any of these additional symptoms, contact your paediatrician.