Author: Karel Micek When your newborn cries often and for extended periods without any apparent reason, the cause may be colic. It is a fairly common problem. Baby colic affects around one third of all newborns.
Infant colic is repeated excessive crying episodes, in a baby between three weeks and three months, for no apparent reason.
Your newborn cries because he/she suffers sharp intermittent abdominal pains. Often the baby will extend its legs, arch its back, its face will become very red, fist will be clenched, gas will be passed but the baby will have a hard time passing stools.
What causes baby colic:
Since doctors don't know the cause of colic in infants, defining the actually syndrome makes it difficult. As you may have guessed however, there are a lot of theories floating around out there.
1. The digestive system for some reason does not allow the release of gas. This build-up of gas would cause the baby severe stomach pain.
2. Adverse environmental condition, inherent sensitivity and possibly the baby's premature nervous system. These factors make for uncontrollable crying babies.
3. Half the babies suffering from colic had some form of gastro-esophageal reflux and lactose intolerance. Baby colic is greatly influenced by gut flora which simply put is bacteria that live in our digestive tract that perform many useful functions such as helping in the digestion of our food. Some researchers refer to gut flora as the forgotten organ. Lack of gut flora in a baby causes problems with the digestive system and the result is a fussy baby.
Although colic in newborns happens worldwide it is not considered a serious disorder since it will eventually disappear without any particular treatment. It seems to be at its worst between the ages of six to eight weeks.
Breastfeeding
Mothers who are breastfeeding should avoid foods that cause gas as this can be passed on to the baby. Also it should be noted that probiotics (which are helpful with digestion) occur naturally in breast milk so therefore the gut flora of a breast fed baby is quite different than a formula fed baby. Mothers who are breastfeeding and who change their diets have found their babies to be less colicky.
There are studies being done now to see if pre-natal stress, birth mother smoking during pregnancy and trauma at the actual birth can be contributing factors to colic.
There are many theories floating around about colic in newborns so thank goodness it is something that infants seem to grow out of.
Colic is one of many other reasons why your newborn cries
Why newborn cry?
Read what may be the other most often reasons why your newborn cries: Why newborn cry
How to help your newborn sleep?
About the Author:Karel Micek is an expert author writting about newborns, babies or childrens needs, problems and he tries to help and solve your problems.He owns together with his wife Daniela Micek site: How To Entertain Kids.Here you can find many tips and ideas how to entertain your newborn, toddler or older children.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/babies-articles/why-your-newborn-cries-what-helps-1195116.html