Causes of recurrent bloating in premature babies

Recurrent bloating in premature babies may be caused by factors such as a cold abdomen, intestinal flora imbalance, or indigestion.

1. Cold abdomen

The abdominal muscles of premature babies are not fully developed. If proper warmth is not maintained—such as using thin blankets or wearing too little clothing—the abdomen may become chilled. This can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and cause gastrointestinal contractions, often leading to recurrent bloating in premature infants.

2. Intestinal flora imbalance

Since premature babies have not reached full term, their organs are generally underdeveloped, including immature intestinal function. The balance of gut bacteria can easily be disrupted, resulting in intestinal flora imbalance and symptoms such as abdominal distension.

3. Indigestion

Preterm infants have relatively weak gastrointestinal function, small stomach capacity, and immature digestive systems. Feeding too much milk at once or feeding too frequently can easily lead to indigestion and cause bloating.

If a premature baby experiences repeated episodes of abdominal bloating, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital to identify the underlying cause and initiate appropriate treatment.