What Is Abdominal Pain in Babies?

What Is Abdominal Pain in Babies? In the early months of a baby’s life, one of the most challenging experiences for both the infant and the mother often occurs during evening hours. This is when the baby can cry inconsolably, seemingly without any discernible reason. The baby’s distress is evident, with a flushed face and slightly parted lips. Their abdomen feels tight, stretched, and firm. They may display behaviors resembling hunger, such as sucking movements, while their hands and feet may feel cool to the touch. There’s no need to be overly concerned, as these symptoms are likely associated with gas pains. The duration of these episodes can vary, lasting anywhere from a few minutes to as long as 2 to 3 hours. It’s important to note that abdominal discomfort in babies is a relatively common occurrence.

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• Baby’s First Days: Bowel Movements and Urination
• Managing Abdominal Pain in Babies
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What Causes Abdominal Pain in Infants? 

1. Colic

Infant colic is a common condition, affecting about one in five babies. It is characterized by increased fussiness or crying that persists for a minimum of three hours, occurring at least three times a week. Typically, colic becomes noticeable a few weeks after birth and often resolves by the time the baby reaches approximately three months of age. It is essential to emphasize that infants with colic are otherwise healthy and do not display symptoms such as excessive sleepiness, weight loss, poor feeding, vomiting, or dehydration. If you suspect your baby may be experiencing colic, consulting their pediatrician is a prudent step to rule out other potential causes of fussiness and irritability.

2. Excess Gas

Gas is a natural occurrence in all humans, including newborns. For infants, gas can be uncomfortable as they are still adjusting to these sensations and learning to pass gas. While gas can cause discomfort, it is not dangerous. Typically, gas pains peak at around 6-8 weeks of age and improve significantly by the time the baby is three months old.

3. Milk Protein Allergy (or Other Dietary Protein Intolerance)

Milk protein allergy, also known as cow’s milk protein intolerance, occurs when the body’s immune system abnormally responds to a protein found in cow’s milk. This condition is relatively common in infants and may extend to an intolerance of other dietary proteins, including soy. Diagnosis is typically based on your baby’s symptoms, which may include pain during feeds (indicated by back arching and fussiness), vomiting, blood or mucus in the stool, and weight loss or poor weight gain. 

4. Infant Constipation

Infant constipation is characterized by hard, infrequent, and sometimes painful stools. Symptoms may also include vomiting or the presence of bright red blood on the stool or during wiping. Constipation can be triggered by various factors, including illness, dehydration, dietary changes, insufficient water intake (for infants older than 6 months), and disruptions in routine. It is essential to address constipation early, as it can worsen, particularly if the baby begins to withhold bowel movements after experiencing pain during stool passage.

5. Pyloric Stenosis

Pyloric stenosis involves the thickening of the muscle between the stomach and the small intestine (the pylorus), leading to a blockage that prevents food from exiting the stomach. Common symptoms include forceful, projectile vomiting shortly after feeding, poor weight gain, dehydration, irritability, and reduced bowel movements. Pyloric stenosis most commonly affects male newborns between 2-8 weeks of age, although it can also occur in female newborns.

6. Intussusception

It´s a rare condition in which a segment of the bowel telescopes or slides into itself, creating a painful blockage. It is the most common abdominal emergency in children under age 2 and typically occurs between 6-12 months of age. Symptoms include intense abdominal pain, sudden crying with legs drawn to the chest, vomiting, a swollen belly, and dark, mucus-filled bloody stools.

7. Gastrointestinal (GI) Infections

Various infections can cause abdominal pain in infants, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and occasionally blood in stools. These infections are often viral in nature but can also be caused by bacteria. Viral stomach infections usually resolve with time, and antibiotics do not shorten the duration of symptoms. Supportive care, including promoting hydration and managing fevers and pain with acetaminophen, is typically recommended.

8. Reflux and GERD

Reflux occurs when stomach contents move into the esophagus and sometimes the mouth. In infants, this condition can be more pronounced because the lower esophageal sphincter (the muscle separating the stomach and esophagus) is not fully developed. Symptoms of reflux may be milder in infants and are often referred to as “happy spitters” when they do not experience discomfort and show no signs of illness, such as weight loss. Reflux symptoms usually peak around 4-6 months of age and gradually improve over the next six months, typically resolving before the baby reaches one year of age. However, in some cases, symptoms may persist until 18-24 months.

 What to do with Abdominal Pain in Infants?

 To begin with, it’s important to take steps to prevent gas pains in infants. Mothers should be mindful of their diet, avoiding foods that can potentially cause gas in their child. This means steering clear of spicy foods like onions, cabbage, leeks, celery, dry beans, chickpeas, roasted foods, and anything bitter, sour, or peppery. It’s also wise to refrain from consuming carbonated drinks such as cola or soda and to avoid alcohol and cigarettes while breastfeeding.

When breastfeeding, it’s crucial to ensure a proper latch. Position the baby so that the tip of the nipple is behind the darker part of the baby’s mouth, which can help reduce air intake during feeding.

If you are bottle-feeding, try to feed the baby in an upright position to minimize the chances of air getting into the baby’s stomach. Ensure that the bottle is not tilted in a way that allows air to enter.

To help your baby expel gas, follow these steps:

1. At the end of breastfeeding, attempt to burp your baby by gently patting or stroking their back.
2. If gas isn’t released in the first position within 2-3 minutes, position your baby face down on your shoulder and continue with the same patting or stroking motions.
3. If gas still isn’t expelled within 2-3 minutes in this position, place your baby on their side without jostling them. They may release gas later in this position.
4. Additionally, singing a lullaby to your baby can be soothing and comforting. Don’t worry about the quality of your singing voice; your baby will love it regardless. This time-tested method has been used for generations and can be beneficial for your baby’s comfort.If you’re unable to sing yourself, you can use lullaby and classical music recordings on cassettes or CDs to create a calming atmosphere.
5. Lastly, physical touch is essential. Hold your baby close to your bare arm to provide warmth and comfort. Frequent cuddling and being in the warmth of a mother’s lap can be very soothing for the baby.

 How to Make Abdominal Massage for Babies?

 You can start a professional form of gentle touch massage for your baby when they are around 3-4 weeks old. This form of touch fosters a strong emotional connection between the mother and the baby, serving as a powerful means of communication. The massage has a calming and relaxing effect on the baby, contributing positively to their physical and emotional development.

Furthermore, the massage process boosts insulin secretion, aiding in the efficient absorption of food. It enhances the immune system, bolsters the body’s resistance, eases the respiratory system, and reduces the cardiac workload by promoting circulation. The massage also increases blood flow to the abdomen and intestines, aiding in digestion. It facilitates the release of gas and promotes regular bowel movements by stimulating the excretory system. By breaking down large air bubbles that cause discomfort in the intestines and targeting sensitive areas, it allows your child to enjoy a more tranquil infancy.

To perform the massage, follow these steps:

1. Wait for 5-10 minutes after feeding your baby. Lay your baby on their back.
2. Begin by washing your hands thoroughly and applying olive oil or baby oil to your hands.
3. Use gentle, circular, rhythmic movements to massage the baby’s abdomen in a clockwise, upward, and downward direction. Start from the lower right side of the abdomen.
4. With one hand, gently press the abdomen from top to bottom, while the other hand lifts the baby’s legs and tries to touch the abdomen.
5. Use your fingers to press on different points of the abdomen.
6. Repeat these massage movements for about 5-6 minutes several times a day. This massage can aid in gas release and facilitate bowel movements, preventing constipation.

It’s important to note that you should not apply excessive pressure while massaging your baby. Pay attention to your baby’s cues and adjust your pressure accordingly. This helps build your baby’s trust and confidence. Over time, you will become more attuned to your baby’s needs and find a natural rhythm in your massage movements.

If your baby experiences gas pains, remember that these are common in well-fed and developing infants. Gas pains typically begin around 3-4 weeks of age and often resolve spontaneously by around 4-5 months.

What to do When Baby Gas Gets Started?

• You can put a heated towel at any heat source (such as iron, stove, heater).
• You can put warm water or warm water pads, and have a bath with warm water.
• Take your baby on your lap in an upright position; rhythmically shaking light-light hopping.
• Take the baby to a walk.
• You can drive a small city by car.
• You can play music or sing a lullaby.

You may also attempt the previously mentioned abdominal massage, but it’s important to note that some children may not respond well to this massage during episodes of gas pains. In such cases, it’s advisable to discontinue the massage.

All of these methods aim to alleviate the accumulation of large air bubbles in sensitive areas of the intestines and promote their release. However, if your child continues to experience discomfort despite trying these techniques, it’s essential to seek guidance from your doctor. They can provide recommendations and may suggest herbal teas or medications as appropriate remedies.

 Conclusion

 Abdominal pain in babies can be a challenging experience for both infants and parents, but it’s essential to understand the common causes and how to address them. The most common causes of abdominal pain in infants, such as colic, excess gas, milk protein allergy… recognizing the symptoms and seeking medical evaluation when necessary are crucial steps in providing appropriate care for your baby.

Abdominal massage not only fosters a strong emotional connection between the mother and the baby but also has several physical benefits, including improved digestion and gas release. However, it’s important to note that some babies may not respond well to massage during gas pains.

Overall, understanding the causes of abdominal pain in babies and implementing appropriate strategies for relief can significantly contribute to a more comfortable and content infancy. If the baby’s discomfort persists, consulting a healthcare provider is advisable, as they can offer guidance and recommend suitable remedies as needed.