How to tell if a newborn's stomach is gassy
Oct 08, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xie Zixing
Introduction
To determine whether a newborn has bloated abdomen, use visual inspection, palpation, and observation of the infant's behavior. Abdominal distension can be visibly noticed as a protruding belly, visible small blood vessels, redness and shininess of the abdominal wall, with the navel higher than the chest or rib margins. A distended abdomen feels hard to touch, may reveal lumps upon palpation, and produces a tympanic (drum-like) sound when percussed. Symptoms of gas accumulation include hiccups, flatulence, refusal to feed, spitting up milk, lethargy, constipation, and bloody stools.
To determine whether a newborn has bloating, you can use visual inspection, touch, and observe the newborn's behavior.
1. Visual Inspection
Under normal circumstances, a newborn's abdomen is slightly concave when lying flat. If the baby has bloating, you may notice visible abdominal distension, prominent small blood vessels, redness or shininess of the abdominal skin, and the navel may protrude higher than the chest or rib margins.
2. Palpation (Touch)
Normally, a newborn’s abdomen feels soft and can be gently pressed inward. With bloating, the abdomen may feel relatively hard, and you might even feel lumps. Additionally, if you place the middle finger of your left hand on the abdomen and tap it with the index or middle finger of your right hand, you may hear a distinct drum-like (tympanic) sound.
3. Observe the Newborn’s Behavior
Bloating in newborns may lead to symptoms such as hiccups, passing gas, refusal to feed, spitting up, lethargy, constipation, or bloody stools.
Mild abdominal bloating can often be relieved by gentle abdominal massage. However, if symptoms are severe, prompt medical attention is necessary to rule out serious conditions such as intestinal obstruction or intussusception.
