In children under 12, abdominal pain rarely travels alone: look for the pain's location and pattern plus companions like vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, fever, poor appetite, or a child who stops playing.
Younger kids often cannot point to the spot, so behavior is your best signal: pulling legs up, guarding the belly, waking at night, or going quiet during play. Pain that comes in waves and eases after a bowel movement points toward constipation or gas, while pain that starts near the navel, settles in the lower right, and hurts more with walking or coughing needs urgent evaluation. Note the time it started, whether it stays in one place, and what the last few stools looked like. Keep fluids going in small sips, hold off on laxatives or pain medicine until a clinician weighs in, and write down the temperature rather than guessing.
When to call the doctor
Common questions
What are the symptoms of Abdominal pain - children under age 12?
Abdominal pain in kids under 12 shows up as more than a stomach complaint. Track where it hurts, how long it lasts, and what comes with it: vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, fever, poor appetite, a swollen or hard belly, burning with peeing, or a child who curls up and stops playing. Cramping that eases after a bowel movement often reflects constipation or a stomach bug. Pain that begins near the navel, moves to the lower right, and worsens with movement can signal appendicitis. Seek emergency care for a rigid belly, blood in stool or vomit, green vomit, pain after a blow to the abdomen, or a child who is limp, very drowsy, or not making tears or wet diapers.