Flatulence in a newborn

Flatulence in newborns can be observed very, very often. In most cases, increased gas formation is the first problem that parents of a newborn baby have to face.

Let's try to understand in more detail the main issues concerning flatulence in infants, and consider possible causes and methods of combating this unpleasant symptom.

Causes of flatulence in newborns

There can be many reasons for flatulence in a newborn. For example, during feeding, the baby swallows air bubbles along with milk (if he was not attached to the breast correctly). As a result, air first penetrates the stomach cavity, and then into the intestines.

Another common cause of gases is the so-called "newborn flatulence", which is characterized by excessive release of gaseous substances directly into the intestines. Why does this happen?

When babies are born, their intestines are sterile. Over time, various microorganisms, both beneficial and opportunistic, settle in them. When the intestines begin to be populated with various flora, temporary physiological dysbacteriosis is formed - this is the period when the baby's intestines determine which bacteria they need and which ones they need to fight. During this period, the intestines "get used" to new conditions, so the appearance of gases at this time is considered inevitable and relatively normal.

In addition to all of the above, the mother's diet (if the baby is breastfed) can also cause flatulence in a newborn. Gas in a baby occurs because some gas-forming substances from the food the mother ate get into the breast milk. This situation is possible when the mother eats certain fruits, pastries, carbonated drinks, dried fruits, sweets, legumes, white cabbage, etc.

The stress component of flatulence cannot be ruled out: if the baby is nervous, or his mother is nervous (stress from the mother is often transmitted to the child), then intestinal peristalsis can slow down, which provokes the accumulation of gas bubbles in its cavity.

If the baby is not breastfed but is using formula, then the cause of flatulence in this case may be intolerance to the components or a lack of lactose. Perhaps this formula is not suitable for the baby.

In the worst case, the child may become infected with E. coli or other pathogenic bacteria, which can enter the baby's body with foreign objects or due to insufficient care of nipples, breasts and feeding bottles. Bacteria grow and multiply in the still weakened intestines, which significantly increases the formation of gases and leads to severe pain.

Symptoms of flatulence in a newborn

In the intestinal cavity, gas is foam, or a mucous mixture with gases, which covers the intestinal lumen and provokes bloating, resulting in painful sensations in the baby's tummy. A previously smiling and calm baby begins to worry, blush, strain (as if trying in vain to empty itself), cry. He becomes excessively active: kicks his legs, bends. Appetite is usually out of the question: as a rule, the child refuses to eat, pushes away the breast. Sometimes the baby may not have problems with appetite, but almost immediately after eating, he begins to cry and be capricious.

When examining the baby, you can notice a bulging, dense “drum” tummy.

In most cases, symptoms of flatulence in a newborn appear in the second half of the day. With physiological flatulence, the child's restless state can last from about 30-40 minutes to 3 hours. However, if the baby cries and cannot calm down for several hours, this will be a reason to take urgent measures and contact a doctor.

Flatulence in a one-month-old baby

The prevalence of flatulence in a one-month-old child is about 20%. Gas formation is rare in babies immediately after birth: most often, symptoms appear closer to one month of age, increasing over the course of another 1-2 months.

Symptoms usually develop unexpectedly, often during or immediately after feeding. The discomfort lasts from 10-15 minutes to several hours. General signs of development and weight gain of the baby do not worsen.

Signs of flatulence usually begin to appear by the first month of life and reach their maximum by the age of one and a half to two months. Despite the apparent complexity of the problem, closer to three months the child's condition usually normalizes, the intestinal microflora stabilizes. Only in a small number of children does the stabilization of bacterial flora drag on until the age of 4-5 months. If the symptoms linger for a longer period, diagnostics should be carried out: perhaps the causes of flatulence lie somewhat deeper.

Diagnosis of flatulence in newborns

Diagnosis of flatulence in a newborn is primarily carried out to exclude any more serious morbid condition accompanied by increased gas formation, discomfort, bowel disorder and other symptoms. It is important to remember that with flatulence the general condition of the baby should not worsen, that is, neither the child's body weight nor his physical and mental development should suffer. General examination of blood, urine and feces should not indicate any significant violations.

To diagnose flatulence, it is very important to pay attention to the following signs of the disease, which indicate a transient disturbance of the intestinal microflora of the newborn:

• the baby behaves restlessly in the afternoon;
• after the child has emptied his bowels or passed gas, he feels noticeably better;
• the baby has difficulty falling asleep and sleeps poorly;
• the desire to eat often disappears;
• when palpated, a swollen abdomen is detected;
• There are several periods of time during the day during which the baby is calm.

Remember: vomiting attacks, frequent loose stools and high temperature cannot be accompanying signs of flatulence! If the baby has such or other alarming symptoms, it is necessary to consult a doctor for help.

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Treatment of flatulence in newborns

The treatment of flatulence in newborns is based on several principles, which we will now discuss.

1. It is necessary to improve the psychological state of the mother, because her mood, as well as the general mood and climate in the family, have a direct impact on the health of the baby.
2. The mother should definitely review her diet, excluding fresh milk (fermented milk products should be left), peas and beans, white cabbage, yeast baked goods, carbonated drinks, grapes, raisins, etc.
3. If the baby is on artificial feeding, then mixtures containing coconut oil or milk, as well as hydrolyzed protein (wheat or soy), are recommended for him, since such mixtures are absorbed better and easier.
4. The baby's feeding regimen should be adjusted, namely: reduce the time intervals between meals, while simultaneously reducing the amount of milk or formula eaten at one time. After the baby has eaten, it should be held either vertically or at ∟45 ° with its back up for 15 minutes so that it burps up air. In between meals and if there are symptoms of flatulence, the baby should be placed on its tummy.
5. Make sure your baby is in the right position while feeding. The baby's tummy should be pressed against the mother's tummy, and the baby's neck and spine should be on the same axis. To prevent air from being swallowed, the baby should be given the nipple correctly so that it latches on completely.
6. You should neither overfeed nor underfeed your child.

Therapeutic massage of the abdomen is useful:

• stroking light movements in a clockwise direction;
• alternately bringing and abducting the legs to the tummy;
• in the prone position, stroking along the back;
• To enhance the effectiveness of the massage, it is recommended to apply a warm heating pad to the child’s stomach for 5 minutes.

As a rule, flatulence disappears when the above recommendations are followed. But if there is no effect, more radical methods should be used:

• herbal remedies with carminative and antispasmodic properties (dill, chamomile, caraway, mint);
• Plantex (a preparation based on fennel) 1-2 sachets per day, divided into 2 or 3 doses;
• Bebinos (a preparation based on fennel, coriander, chamomile) 3-6 drops three times a day;
• adsorbents (activated carbon) in a proportion of 0.05 g per kilogram of weight, taken 3 times a day;
• Simethicone (in the form of an emulsion or suspension) 20-30 mg 3 to 5 times a day. Similar drugs: semikol, meteospasmil, bobotik;
• enzymes and biopreparations (bifiform, bifidumbacterin, normoflorin, etc.).

How to help with flatulence in newborns?

• Take the child in your arms, rock him from bottom to top, try to calm him down.
• Walk with your baby through the rooms, holding him upright.
• Swaddle the baby tightly, or, on the contrary, undress him completely and leave him to lie like that for a few minutes.
• If the child likes bathing, it is recommended to prepare a warm bath for him, perhaps with herbal infusions such as chamomile, mint, or sage.
• Give your baby a simple, gentle massage, lightly massage his tummy and back.
• You can lay the baby down on his back, put your hand under his tummy and massage him, stroking him from above with your free hand.
• Turn on some light music or simulated sounds (sea, forest). You can simply sing a song to your baby to calm him down.

Remember that a comprehensive approach, using all possible methods, will help alleviate your child’s condition and eliminate intestinal discomfort in a short time.

Prevention of flatulence in newborns

There are several key points to consider when preventing flatulence in newborns. Here are some key recommendations:

• During the entire feeding period and for half an hour after it, you should hold the baby upright until you hear the baby burp;
• if you are bottle feeding your baby, choose a nipple that is as comfortable as possible for the baby, with a not very large hole. There are special nipples that are designed to prevent the baby from swallowing air;
• If you notice the first symptoms of increased gas formation in your baby, apply a warm heating pad or a heated diaper to his tummy;
• If you are breastfeeding your baby, you should definitely review your diet. Milk (not sour), cabbage, legumes, tomatoes, fruits, carbonated drinks, yeast baked goods are prohibited;
• If you feed your baby with artificial formulas, experiment with their composition and consistency, follow the rules for their preparation;
• Keep a diary in which you will note the time of feeding, the frequency and density of the stool, the duration of the child's discomfort after feeding. Keeping such a diary is not difficult, but it will be very useful if you seek help or recommendations from a doctor.

If the flatulence of a newborn is severe and long-term, and none of the above remedies have helped, then the next and mandatory step is to contact a specialist who will examine the baby and prescribe adequate treatment.