/assets/images/provider/photos/2796455.jpeg)
The fact that babies cry surprises no one — but that doesn’t make dealing with it any easier for parents and caregivers. Sometimes, the cause is obvious, but in other cases it can be difficult to tell if it’s hunger, fatigue, or a “hidden” problem like abdominal pain.
At Angel Kids Pediatrics, our pediatric experts can help diagnose a variety of issues, including stomach discomfort, as well as provide ongoing care from routine physical exams to sick visits and more as your child grows.
No matter where you live in Northeast Florida, our 10 offices located throughout Jacksonville, Amelia Island, and Saint Johns make getting comprehensive care for your child easier and more convenient than ever.
Abdominal pain in babies is common
It’s common for babies to suffer from abdominal pain, especially in the first year of life. As kids get older and more verbal, it becomes easier to determine what’s going on — but even babies and very young children offer clues about the nature of their discomfort.
Differences in your baby’s overall mood or fussiness level, including if they’re particularly restless or squirmy, could be warning signs of belly discomfort. Other signs include changes in eating or sleeping habits, different bowel movement cycles, and diarrhea, vomiting or fever.
Possible reasons you baby’s belly might hurt
A number of causes could be behind your baby’s stomach discomfort. Possibilities include:
Colic
Colic is when a healthy baby has prolonged and intense crying bouts for no obvious reason. It affects about one in five infants and typically begins a few weeks after birth and subsides by about three to four months of age. Crying typically lasts for multiple hours, happening on three or more days of the week — and often in the evenings.
Excess gas
Gas pains can trigger abdominal discomfort. Causes can include swallowing air during breastfeeding, when taking a bottle, or while crying. Starting solids and trying new foods are other periods when your baby’s gassiness might increase.
Dietary protein intolerance
Intolerance to a protein found in cow's milk or other proteins like soy can trigger a baby’s immune system to respond with abdominal pain and other digestive issues.
Acid reflux
When babies are born, the muscle between the esophagus and stomach that keeps food from moving back up the esophagus isn’t yet fully developed. This means their stomach contents can easily come back up — usually in the form of “spitting up.”
In some babies, this doesn't cause discomfort. In others, it can irritate the lining of the esophagus or stomach and trigger belly pain.
Constipation
Constipation doesn’t just strike adults, it can bother babies, too. Signs include less frequent bowel movements and hard, dry stools. It’s more likely if your baby isn’t adequately hydrated, or when they start eating solid foods.
Infection
A variety of viral and bacterial infections can cause abdominal pain, often along with vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. Sometimes, even upper respiratory infections can lead to stomach pain due to excess mucus production.
Other possible concerns
Intestinal blockages like intussusception (when the bowel slides into itself and causes intense pain) or pyloric stenosis (when the muscle from the stomach to the intestines gets thicker) can cause intense abdominal pain.
While such issues are rare in babies, when they occur, they often trigger inconsolable crying. These medical emergencies require immediate care.
Expert pediatric care for abdominal pain
Diagnosing abdominal discomfort in babies can be difficult. If in doubt, seeking a proper diagnosis from our team is always the best option. This is particularly true if the pain is severe, in which case you should seek medical attention immediately.
Worried your baby might have belly discomfort? We’re here to help. Call or click online to schedule an appointment at your nearest Angel Kids Pediatrics office in Jacksonville, Amelia Island, or Saint Johns, Florida, today.