Might be daft question - VERY noisy baby

[Jack2601]

Hi,I'm new to Mumsnet and I've been reluctant to post this for fear of sounding silly, but here goes.

DS was born at 33 weeks (just) due to me getting pre-eclampsia. He weighed 3lb 9oz and is now 5wks and 3 days old. He spent 30 days in SCBU and we brought him home last week. When he was in SCBU I was very aware of some strange noises that he made when asleep (which as you can imagine is most of the time at the moment). The noises were like grunting/straining noises, as though he was filling his nappy. He doesn't cry after making these noises and the SCBU nurse said that it was quite common for prem babies to make these noises and nobody seems to know why.

Since we have got him home I have noticed that he does this much more than I realised, especially during the night, sometimes the noise is really weird, like a creaking door opening, and also sounds quite "phlegmy", again, the SCBU nurse who visits us, and our health visitor say this is normal. What I suppose I am asking is did anyone else's prem baby make these kind of noises and if so when and for how long.

Sorry for such a long post!
Thanks.

[bubblagirl]

my ds was just the same i was told it would clear he was a very mucousy baby and apparently that,s all it was

as he got older it started to clear but they do make strange noises sometimes laugh sometimes cry whine whinge cough snore lol my ds is 3.9 and still sleeps noisily lol

i did prop the head of the mattress slightly so slightly raised and this did seem to ease it slightly

[WorzselMummage]

DD (32 weeker) did this, it used to drive me insane at night when i was trying to sleep.. she used to snort and grunt and snuffle and make clicking noises and sniff, it sounded like she was filing her nappy constantly.

I don't know if all babies do it but i think most prem babies do.. Ds ( 27 weeker ) is worse...

[KashaSarrasin]

DS2 (born at 30+5) used to make some really weird noises. I think it's just a premie thing, he's 8 months now and just makes "normal" baby noises.

[slalomsuki]

Mine used to go by the nick name of squeaker for a very similar reason.

Its normal and reassuring

[Jack2601]

Thanks for your replies. It's reassuring to know that my ds isn't the only one!! I agree that it is frustrating at night. I constantly want to go to him and settle or comfort him. I keep having to remind myself that he isn't in pain/discomfort etc. He is doing it A LOT as I type this.

[canjen]

I also have a squeaker - ds born at 30 weeks. His twin sister makes 'normal' noises but he squeaks, grunts, gasps etc. I was told early on it was normal but I'm starting to be concerned as it's not lessening... when should the noise stop for preemies? It could also be related to under developed lungs - ie breathing is a bit laboured, though this is also meant to pass.

[Smithers333]

Hello
I realise this thread is quite old now but I have a prem baby born at 27 weeks and since bringing her home she is so loud I can't sleep and she sounds like she is in so much pain. Have checked with the health visitor and she said it's totally normal, just wondered when it might stop?
Thanks

[evitas]

It stops! My DS (35w) was horrible, like a little animal. I don't really remember how long it took... a couple of weeks. But I remember that one night I put his moses basket in the corridor and DH had earplugs for couple of months!
good luck and congratulations on your DD!

[TheresAHuppoInMyHouse]

It certainly does sounds like they're in pain, but they're not and yes it does pass! My DD was born at 30 weeks and contrary to advice, I couldn't have her sleeping in our room because of the noise. I moved her to the sitting room (we have a very small flat so only about 5 metres away) which was enough to let me sleep when she was sleeping but to wake as soon as she did. It sounded like she was constantly straining and grunting, snuffling and snorting. We used to call her the truffling pig because of it.

It lasted for quite a while, perhaps till 3 months or so (so 1 month past her due date) or thereabouts. Now she is quiet when sleeping, noisy when awake, which is more what you would expect!

[wishwales]

My DD was born at 31+5 weighing 3lbs 7ozs and spent 33 days in SCBU. She came home with us last Monday, the 11th. Same thing happened here with the noises. I noticed them in the unit but didn't get to spend any prolonged periods with her so I did not get the magnitude of it until she came home. I too was told that prems commonly make these sounds. I can honestly say the if my DD is awake, she is making some sort of noise constantly and whilst asleep, it depends on how comfortable/tired/hungry she is and how deeply she is sleeping. I have questioned it myself as well because I have not been around any prems previously and have never seen this is any full term babies. All I can say is, you are not alone but I only have my baby to compare to :)

[Ryanandjaydensmummy2016]

My preemie makes a noise like a machine gun wen hes asleep is this normal

[Melinda76]

Oh my goodness I nearly posted the same question myself! My baby was born at 31 weeks and is now 5 weeks old, the noises she makes when she sleeps! I was thinking of taking her to the doctors as she sounds so uncomfortable and like she's going to vomit at any point! And the goat noises! Lol
But good to know it sounds normal for pre-term babies and I'll try not to keep worrying :)

[Crazyqueenofthecatladies]

Dd sounded like a baby goat too! She was an ex 27 weeker and like lots of prems suffered dreadfully from silent reflux, the grunts, gasps and bleats were milk and stomach acid squooshing up and down her throat. Not so cute.