Just like older children and adults, babies can experience constipation if there is a change in their diet or something in their diet that does not quite agree with your digestive system. Because your baby cannot tell you when their belly is hurting, you will have to pay careful attention as a parent to the signs that there is something wrong.
Even though constipation in infants is a fairly normal occurrence and perfectly treatable, it can cause problems with your baby's intestinal tract if the problem goes unnoticed for long periods of time. Take a look at a few signs your infant is constipated so you can get them to a same-day clinic that provides pediatric and infant care.
Your infant does not have frequent stools.
It is normal for an infant to go at least once, and sometimes more, every day. If it has been a few days since your infant has had a soiled diaper, it is a good indication that they are getting constipated. In some cases, if you catch the problem early, you can make quick adjustments to the baby's diet to try and rectify the situation on your own, especially if your infant is not showing any other signs of discomfort.
Your infant seems to have an upset stomach.
Infants cry when they are uncomfortable, so it may not always be easy to see that the reason they are crying is that their tummy is hurting. If your baby is crying because their stomach is hurting due to constipation, you may notice them:
- Drawing up their legs toward their abdomen
- Tensing up their body all over
- Having little interest in eating
Pain caused by constipation can sometimes be more in the rectal area than the tummy, so your baby may show signs of discomfort when you change their diaper or pat them on the behind.
Your infant has blood in their diaper.
Finding blood in your infant's diaper is definitely alarming, but in most cases, it is a sign of constipation. The blood is the result of rectal tearing caused by hard stools, so blood will most often be found along with pieces of hard stool when you change your little one's diaper. If you see blood and no stool, it is important to get your infant in for medical attention as soon as possible because they could have stool lodged in their lower intestinal tract.
For more information, reach out to physicians like Burnsville Family Physicians.
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