Signs of Colic
The term colic is used to describe a period of extended and inconsolable crying in infants. While it is not truly a medical condition and has no proven cause, about 50 percent of babies are considered "colicky."
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Definition
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The first sign of colic is crying without cause. Colic follows a rule of three: Three hours of constant crying, three days a week, three weeks in a row.
Age
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In full-term babies, colic usually begins at two to three weeks. Babies born before 40 weeks will show signs two to three weeks after they would have received full term. If your baby was born at 35 weeks, she might not begin colic until she is 7 to 8 weeks old.
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Gas and Bloating
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Most colicky babies have a slightly bloated stomach and pass excessive gas during their crying spells.
Timing
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If your baby cries for similar periods of time at the same time each day, she probably suffers from colic. This is particularly true if the crying periods come during the late evening, which is the most common time for colic.
Intensity and Duration
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Your baby might appear to "ramp up" the intensity and duration of the crying during the first three to four weeks. After this time, which coincides roughly with the six- to eight-week mark, she will begin to cry less intensely or for shorter periods.
Diagnosis
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While it is impossible to definitively diagnose colic, your baby's pediatrician should look for signs of other conditions. If your baby is declared healthy, you can usually safely assume she's suffering from colic.
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