Neonatal Vomiting: Understanding and Managing Spitting Up

Gastroesophageal reflux, or the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus, is the most common cause of vomiting in neonates, accounting for up to 50% of cases.

Vomiting is forceful, occurs more frequently, and is associated with abdominal pain, while spitting up is gentle, occurs less frequently, and is not associated with abdominal pain.

Thickening feedings, changing the feeding position, and burping frequently are all effective ways to manage spitting up in neonates.

Vomiting in a neonate should be a concern if it occurs more than once a day, is forceful or projectile, or is accompanied by abdominal pain.

Pyloric stenosis, a narrowing of the pyloric valve at the outlet of the stomach, is the most common cause of projectile vomiting in neonates.

Surgery is the only effective treatment for pyloric stenosis.

Breastfeeding is the most effective way to prevent vomiting in neonates, as breast milk is more easily digested than formula.

You should call your doctor about vomiting in a neonate if it occurs more than once a day, is forceful or projectile, or is accompanied by abdominal pain.