Causes, Signs, And Treatments For Newborn Vomiting

Spitting up or dribbling undigested food is common among infants. Usually, it’s not a cause for concern. And there are several things that you can do from your side to help manage spit-ups in babies. But if your baby is vomiting in large amounts, and the vomit is projectile, you might have to take him/her to a doctor. Vomiting can also make your baby dehydrated which can turn dangerous for your baby. Continue reading the article to find out what causes newborns to vomit. We also discuss the signs and treatments for newborn vomiting.

Pyloric Stenosis

It is a condition that blocks the entry of food to the small intestine as the muscular valve becomes thickened and enlarged (1). It normally occurs 3-5 weeks after birth. Causes for this condition is not yet known, but genes and environmental factors might have a role.

Signs Of Pyloric Stenosis

Signs may include the following:

1. Forceful vomiting which may be projectile. It can start out mild and become severe as the condition progresses.
2. The vomit may contain blood in some cases.
3. It could make them feel hungry persistently.
4. The baby may not gain any weight and can cause weight loss.
5. The baby may become dehydrated or lethargic. The diaper may not be wet and will require fewer diaper changes.
6. There will be fewer bowel movements.
7. You may notice stomach contractions in your baby’s upper belly before they vomit after feeding.

Treatment For Pyloric Stenosis

If diagnosed, surgery might be needed (2). Your doctor might recommend fluid replacement if the baby is dehydrated or has an imbalance of electrolytes.

Pyloromyotomy is a minimally invasive surgery which leaves a minor scar. It allows quick recovery of the baby. You will be able to start feeding your little one within 12-24 hours post-surgery. However, there might be a small amount of vomiting for a few days.

Infant Reflux

Infant reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux (GER) occurs when the food comes back into the baby’s food pipe causing them to spit up (3). A more serious form of GER is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

When the lower esophageal sphincter is not matured properly, it can cause the food to wash back up. It is frequently seen in babies under the age of 1.

Signs Of Infant Reflux

Signs may include the following:

1. The baby isn’t gaining weight.
2. Forceful spit-ups which may lead to projectile vomiting.
3. Spit ups which look green or yellow.
4. The spit-ups contain blood.
5. The baby refuses to eat.
6. Bloody stool.
7. Breathing difficulty or chronic cough.
8. Unusually irritated after feeding.
9. The baby spits-up at the age of 6 months or older.

Treatment For Infant Reflux

It usually resolves by itself, but your doctor might recommend some lifestyle changes like giving smaller meals frequently, burping in between feeding, positioning your baby upright for about 30 minutes after a feed, eliminating certain food items from your diet, or changing to a different kind of formula milk (4).

Medications aren’t usually preferred for infants with uncomplicated reflux. This is because medications might lead to complications such as respiratory and intestinal problems.

Surgery is only considered if the problem is severe, and if medications and other options aren’t helping.

If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, it’s wise to consult a pediatrician right away. Babies may spit up during the first few weeks after birth as they are adjusting to feeding. They can also vomit from traveling or crying continuously for long periods. But to be on the safer side, keep a note of all the symptoms, if any, so that your doctor can diagnose it efficiently. Also, if your baby seems to be dehydrated, make sure that he/she consumes enough fluids.

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