Concerns After Child Accidentally Pressed: What Parents Should Know

Child was crushed?

Hello, doctor.
My daughter is almost 4 months old.
Yesterday, while she was lying on the bed, my son (who is 3 and a half years old) was playing on the bed and accidentally fell on her due to losing his balance.
I couldn't catch him in time, and his upper body landed on my daughter's stomach.
At that moment, she showed no reaction and didn't cry.
I'm not sure how hard he pressed down, but I'm very worried.
I wonder if pressing on her stomach could cause any issues.
She hasn't shown any abnormal reactions, and her eating, sleeping, and activities are all normal.
However, today after drinking milk, she has been spitting up a bit more than usual, about a big mouthful each time.
She has occasionally spit up before, but not this frequently.
Could this be related to the incident?
I'm concerned about whether this situation could lead to any problems.
Is it possible that pressing on her stomach could harm her internal organs? I'm worried that there might be no immediate symptoms, but issues could arise a few days later.
Could there be internal bleeding or injury to her organs? I'm also afraid that she might be in pain but unable to express it since she is so young.
Should I be reassured since she didn't show any immediate issues? What should I be monitoring now? Do I need to take her to see a doctor? I'm really worried and feel guilty for not being more careful.
Thank you for your response, doctor.

Xiao Xuan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/10/19

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics

In the case of abdominal hemorrhage, the abdomen will gradually become distended and firm, and the skin may appear paler, indicating signs of anemia.
This condition can range from minimal impact to more severe consequences due to external trauma.
Since I have not personally examined the patient, it is difficult to provide a definitive assessment.
It is advisable to take the patient to a pediatrician for a thorough examination.

Reply Date: 2018/10/19

More Info

It’s completely understandable to feel anxious and concerned after an incident where your child was accidentally pressed by another child. As a parent, your instinct is to protect your children, and when something unexpected happens, it can lead to a lot of worry. Let’s break down your concerns and provide some guidance on what to do next.

First and foremost, it’s important to assess the situation calmly. You mentioned that your daughter did not cry or show any immediate signs of distress after the incident. This is a positive sign, as it often indicates that she may not have sustained any serious injury. Infants, especially at the age of four months, can be quite resilient, but they are also vulnerable, so your concerns are valid.

Regarding the specific worry about internal injuries, it’s important to note that while it is possible for pressure on the abdomen to cause harm, the absence of immediate symptoms such as crying, vomiting, or unusual behavior is reassuring. However, you did mention that she has been spitting up more than usual after feeding. Spitting up can be common in infants for various reasons, including overfeeding or simply the normal developmental stage they are in. It’s also possible that the incident could have caused her to be a bit more sensitive, leading to increased spitting up.

Here are some steps you can take to monitor your daughter’s condition:
1. Observation: Keep a close eye on her for the next few days. Look for any signs of distress, such as excessive crying, refusal to eat, lethargy, or any unusual behavior. If she seems to be her usual self—eating, sleeping, and playing normally—this is a good sign.

2. Feeding Practices: If she continues to spit up frequently, consider adjusting her feeding routine. Ensure she is not being overfed and try to keep her upright for a while after feeding to help reduce spitting up.

3. Consult a Pediatrician: If you notice any concerning symptoms or if the spitting up persists, it would be wise to consult your pediatrician. They can perform a thorough examination and provide reassurance or further evaluation if necessary.

4. Self-Compassion: It’s natural to feel guilty or self-critical after an accident, but remember that accidents happen, and it’s part of parenting. Instead of dwelling on what happened, focus on how you can ensure a safe environment moving forward.

5. Safety Measures: Consider implementing safety measures in your home to prevent similar incidents in the future. This might include setting boundaries for play areas or ensuring that younger siblings are always supervised when older siblings are playing nearby.

In conclusion, while it’s normal to feel anxious after such an incident, the lack of immediate distress from your daughter is a positive sign. Continue to monitor her closely, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician if you have any concerns. Remember, parenting is a learning process, and it’s okay to seek help and guidance when needed. Your attentiveness to your children’s well-being is what truly matters.

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