Nighttime stomach aches help!

[sleepfortheweek]

For the last couple weeks, DD(7) has been complaining of a sore stomach. 90% of the time, the complaints are at bedtime when she's trying to sleep.

She seems fine during the day, still eating well and seems to be going to the toilet fine (I've asked if it's sore/hard to poo etc).

Last night she was quite upset about it and I had a feel of her stomach and she seemed to have a really tender spot right above her bellybutton.

I've phoned the doctors and she has an appointment to go get seen on Monday.

We thought it might be some kind of anxiety/stress but there's nothing obvious that would cause or trigger it. I've also asked if there is anything worrying her or she wants to talk about but she says no. She gets on well at school academically and has a good group of friends.

Has anyone experienced anything similar?

Yes. Dd has complained of this at night time on and off for a couple of years. She has an irritable bowel I think but also I think it’s a bit of anxiety or not wanting to be left just yet. Mine likes a lot of attention at bedtime before she goes to sleep. If she complains of tummy ache I get her a hot water bottle and give her an extra few minutes cuddle

@Notwithittoday how old is your DC?

We have similar here. We leave DD1 at bedtime but have to check on her every 5 mins otherwise she gets out of bed to find us or gets upset. She voluntarily shares a room with DD2 (4) - who falls asleep within seconds - as she hates being alone but even then we have to check on her. She wouldn't accept us leaving her alone at bedtime until a year ago, until then we would lie with her until she slept

Yes, something like this rumbled on for years at a similar age. Things we learned were: to always try to empty bowels before bed (but don't force it), check what you've been thinking about when the tummy happens - was it relaxed happy thoughts or something where muscles tense up a bit, gentle tummy rubs can help (either from you or doing it themselves), experiment with which sleep positions are better/worse, and hot water bottles to snuggle.

She’s 8 now but it’s been a thing for years. I read a book recently that was talking about how some children resist bedtime because there’s some unfinished emotional business they want from you so you just need to give them that bit extra time. It’s a pain sometimes but I figure one day she’ll be slamming her bedroom door in my face lol