What are the Signs of Colic in a Baby?
You have probably heard of colic before and pray that your baby
will never suffer from it. However, up to 25% of all babies do
so you should be aware that it is a possibility. As a new mother
you might not be an expert on babies or what symptoms of colic
might be, but it helps to educate yourself so that you are aware
what is happening with your baby in case he does develop colic.
Remember as well that most families have as difficult a time
dealing with colic as the baby does so try and identify the
symptoms as early as possible in order to help find your baby
some peace.
Many times doctors won't tell you that your baby has colic
because it is difficult to diagnose simply because it is
frequently a mixture of symptoms rather than one condition. In
fact, some doctors don't even have the term "colic" in their
vocabulary, but if your baby is suffering from it you will know
it. There are a variety of symptoms that might represent colic
that include red faces and clenched fists, reflux, grunting,
hiccups, moaning, pushing and grunting, spasms, contractions,
and lots and lots of crying. If your baby presents some of these
symptoms or even others accompanied by inconsolable crying then
your baby just might have colic.
Another sign of colic is these symptoms are frequent after a
feeding and can last until the next feeding seeming like a never
ending period of suffering and crying for your baby. Most
doctors don' use the word colic, but do acknowledge that after
eating many babies experience digestive problems due to kinked
intestines that have not straightened out enough for easy
digestion. Most parents that have babies with colic are sick
with worry because their babies are obviously miserable and they
can do nothing to soothe them or take the pain away. However,
babies with colic are simply miserable with gas and do not have
a fever, diarrhea, weight loss, or other symptoms at all.
Because of this your baby is not really sick, but has a problem
with digestion that makes them feel awful. Knowing this is
important even if it doesn't make you feel much better as a
parent of a colicky baby.
If your baby is one of the up to 25% of babies that develops
colic you probably will become aware of the condition around six
weeks of age. Then at three months the problem usually resolves
itself. Of course, this seems like an impossible length of time
for you and baby to go without any good sleep or comfort, but
many babies and families have survived and yours will too if
colic happens.
You will hate that your baby has colic and neither you nor your
doctor has a miracle cure. However, knowing that your baby is
not really sick and should be better in a few months will help
you deal with the situation even if you feel awful about not
being able to help your new bundle of joy. So, do everything you
can to bond with your child and let them feel your support and
do your best to make it to the three month mark when hopefully
your baby is cured. If not, visit your doctor for additional
tests of other potential digestive problems.