Patient's question:
My child was born only 12 days ago. Today, they have been spitting up frequently, which was not the case before. Could you please tell me what might be the reason?Doctor's answer:
Nursing is the most common symptom of the digestive system. Nursing includes vomiting and spitting up. If a few sips of milk flow back into the mouth, it is considered spitting up, not vomiting, and does not affect growth and development. It usually disappears around 6 months of age as the child grows older.Newborns have small stomachs, which are in a horizontal position, and their esophagi are relatively relaxed. The cardiac sphincter, which connects to the esophagus, is underdeveloped, while the nervous regulation function of intestinal motility, as well as the ability to secrete gastric acid and proteases, are also poor. This makes newborns, especially premature infants, prone to vomiting.
The most common cause of vomiting occurs due to improper feeding, accounting for about 1/4 of all newborn vomiting cases. This is primarily due to overfeeding, incorrect concentration, unsuitable milk temperature, small nipple holes, lying flat immediately after feeding, excessive or early movement of the child, and intense crying, all of which can also cause vomiting.
Mild vomiting and spitting up have little impact on the body, but repeated vomiting can lead to electrolyte imbalances.