Abdominal swelling in newborns

Abdominal bloating in newborns: Normal and warning signs

A hard, tense, and round belly in a newborn can cause concern for parents. In most cases, abdominal bloating (abdominal distension) is the result of normal gas accumulation or constipation and is completely normal for an immature digestive system. However, sometimes it can be a sign of more serious problems, so it is important to know what to watch for.

Physiological causes of bloating

Infants are prone to abdominal bloating due to characteristics of their physiology:

• Weak abdominal wall muscles. They are not yet able to effectively hold the internal organs, so any accumulation of gas or stool becomes immediately noticeable.
• Aerophagia (air swallowing). During feeding and crying, infants swallow a lot of air, which stretches the walls of the stomach and intestines.
• Fermentation processes. The intestine is actively being colonized by microflora, and the enzymatic systems are just beginning to function.

If the baby feels well, passes gas, has regular bowel movements (even if not daily) and gains weight normally, then a bloated belly is most likely within the range of normal. The same methods that help with gas pain can be useful: massage, burping, placing the baby on the stomach.

When bloating is a "red flag"?

Seek medical attention immediately if abdominal bloating is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Strong, inconsolable crying, indicating severe pain.
• Vomiting, especially if the vomitus is green or yellow.
• Absence of bowel movements and gas for an extended period.
• Lethargy, refusal to feed.
• Presence of blood in the stool.

These signs may indicate intestinal obstruction or other surgical pathologies that require emergency care. It is important to care about the newborn's health from the first days.