Colic in newborns explained

Colic is one of the most common conditions in newborns, and it worries many parents. So what is colic? How serious can it become if it goes on for a long time? All will be answered in the article below. Content reviewed by Specialist Doctor Level I Nguyen Thanh Duy - Founder of Care For Kids Paediatric Clinic.

1. What is colic?

• Colic is when a newborn cries and fusses for hours, usually in the afternoon, evening or at night, between the ages of 2-3 weeks and 3 months.
• Along with "intense" crying, the baby arches their back, goes red all over, clenches their fists and pulls their legs up stiffly. These are signs that the baby is in pain.
• To date the cause has not been explained and there is no effective treatment for colic in babies. Many paediatricians believe that the mother's anxiety, insecurity and stress during pregnancy and the postnatal confinement period may affect the newborn's psychological and physical state in the first days of life.
• Or the baby's immature digestive system may not yet be able to adapt to the diet or to stimulants in breast milk during breastfeeding… causing wind and tummy pain.

2. How does colic affect babies?

Abnormal crying, frequent startling, and prolonged fussing and refusing to sleep have a considerable effect on the baby's development and have consequences for both mum and baby.

Effects on the baby:

• Delayed intellectual development and reduced cognitive and learning ability.
• Reduced growth hormone, so baby gains weight and height slowly.
• The baby's immune and digestive systems are suppressed.
• Increased intracranial pressure and high blood pressure.
• Heavy strain on the heart, leading to a fast heartbeat, so baby's health is put at risk.

Mum and baby's carers

• Stress, leading to postnatal depression.
• Loss of milk due to stress, and staying up at night caring for baby puts mum's health at risk too.

Colic in newborns is really not easy for parents, especially families having their first baby. Watch the clip to understand more about the causes of colic and how to manage it.

Reference: Tu Du Hospital